International Women’s Day was March 8. However, Women’s History Month lasts throughout March. Here are five inspiring movies you can watch to honor the many women who have dedicated their lives to breaking barriers and fighting for the futures of those after them.
“Hidden Figures” (2016)
“Hidden Figures” focuses on three African-American women working at NASA during the Space Race in the 1960s. The film features mathematician Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), programming supervisor Dorthy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and NASA’s first Black female engineer Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe). While facing gender and racial discrimination, the three women successfully helped John Glenn orbit the Earth. “Hidden Figures” is currently available for streaming on Disney+, YouTube, and AppleTV.
“He Named Me Malala” (2015)
“He Named Me Malala” is a documentary film based on the true events of Malala Yousafai, a young Pakistani activist who survived a Taliban assassination attempt and became a global leader in education for girls. The documentary follows Malala’s journey and focuses on her love for learning, despite the Taliban banning girls’ education. In 2014, Malala won a Nobel Peace Prize. For those who enjoy reading, the novel “I am Malala” by Christina Lamb and Malala Yousafai is also available.
“He Named Me Malala” is currently streaming on Peacock, YouTube, and Google Play.
“RBG” (2018)
“RBG” is a documentary film focusing on the life of Ruth Gader Ginsberg, the second woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court. Focusing on Ginsberg’s long-lasting career,the film highlights her struggles of being one of few women at Harvard and Columbia law school, arguing six historical landmark cases before the Supreme Court, as well as her rise to fame amongst young women after being appointed as a Supreme Court justice. Ruth Gader Ginsberg died in 2020; however, her legacy as an inspiration to women to continue pushing for reform lives on.
“RBG” is available for streaming on Roku, AppleTV, and Fandango at Home.
“I am Greta” (2020)
“I am Greta” focuses on teenage environmental activist Greta Thunberg who fought for climate
change in Sweden. The movie showcases her one-person school strike outside the Swedish Parliament, Greta’s experience with Asperger syndrome, and even her journey across the Atlantic Ocean by sailboat to attend climate summits. “I am Greta” features the results of determination from a young woman who faces the extremes of praise and criticism worldwide. “I am Greta” is available on Hulu.
“Maya Angelou: And I Still Rise” (2016)
“And I Still Rise” showcases Dr. Maya Angelou and her inspiring journey through life. From her upbringing during the Depression era in the South, through struggles including a childhood assault, to activism by the side of Malcom X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “And I Still Rise” displays the resilience of Dr. Maya Angelou. Through publishing her autobiography “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” and her later years as a poet and mentor to many, Dr. Maya Angelou is a historical figure that displays the true meaning of resilience.
“Maya Angelou: And I Still Rise” is available on AppleTV and Google Play.
