Women’s History Month is a time for recognizing and celebrating the contributions and achievements of women throughout history. The month-long celebration began as a week-long event in 1981, and was later expanded to a month-long celebration in 1987. Women’s History Month takes place in March each year, and is a time for women to reflect on their history, their struggles, and their triumphs.
The first Women’s History Week was celebrated in 1981, after Congress passed a resolution authorizing the week of March 7th to be recognized as “Women’s History Week”. The week was chosen to coincide with International Women’s Day, which is celebrated on March 8th. The goal of the week-long celebration was to recognize and honor the contributions of women to society, and to raise awareness about the role of women in history.
In 1987, Congress passed a resolution designating the entire month of March as Women’s History Month. The resolution stated that the month should be used as a time for “recognizing the diverse and historic accomplishments of women in this country, and for providing a time to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of women throughout history”.
Today, Women’s History Month is celebrated by organizations and communities throughout the United States. It is a time for women to come together, to share their stories, and to celebrate their achievements. There are many ways to celebrate Women’s History Month, including:
- Read books by women authors
- Attend a women’s history exhibit or event
- Learn about the history of women’s suffrage and the fight for women’s rights
- Watch movies and documentaries about women’s history
- Volunteer at a local women’s organization
- Start a book club focused on women’s history
- Attend a women’s conference or workshop
- Write about the women who have inspired you
- Donate to a women’s organization
- Share your favorite women’s history stories and facts on social media
Another great way to celebrate Women’s History Month is by viewing films which showcase the achievements of women. Below are 10 notable films about women’s rights and women’s history.
Suffragette (2015)
Suffragette is a powerful historical drama that tells the story of the suffragette movement in the UK, which fought for women’s right to vote in the early 20th century. The film stars Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, and Meryl Streep.
Hidden Figures (2016)
Hidden Figures tells the true story of three brilliant African-American women who worked at NASA during the 1960s and played a pivotal role in the space race. The film stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe.
A League of Their Own (1992)
A League of Their Own is a comedy-drama that tells the story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which was created during World War II when many male baseball players were serving in the military. The film stars Geena Davis, Tom Hanks, and Madonna.
Frida (2002)
Frida is a biographical drama about the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The film explores Kahlo’s life and work, as well as her relationships with other artists and political figures. The film stars Salma Hayek in the title role.
North Country (2005)
North Country is a drama based on the true story of a woman who filed a groundbreaking sexual harassment lawsuit against her employer, a Minnesota mine. The film stars Charlize Theron, Frances McDormand, and Woody Harrelson.
Iron Jawed Angels (2004)
Iron Jawed Angels is a historical drama that tells the story of the suffragette movement in the United States and the fight for women’s right to vote. The film stars Hilary Swank and Anjelica Huston.
Erin Brockovich (2000)
Erin Brockovich is a biographical drama based on the true story of a woman who fought against a major corporation accused of polluting a small town’s water supply. The film stars Julia Roberts in the title role.
Jane (2017)
Jane is a documentary about the life and work of Jane Goodall, a renowned primatologist and conservationist who spent over 50 years studying chimpanzees in Tanzania. The film features never-before-seen footage of Goodall’s early work in the field.
He Named Me Malala (2015)
He Named Me Malala is a documentary about Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist who became the youngest person ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize for her work promoting education for girls. The film follows Malala’s life and activism, as well as her recovery after being shot by the Taliban.
The Color Purple (1985)
The Color Purple is a drama based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker. The film tells the story of an African-American woman named Celie who struggles to find her voice and assert her independence in the face of racism and sexism in the American South. The film stars Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Danny Glover.
Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of women throughout history and to honor the struggles they faced in fighting for their rights. The top 10 films listed above provide a powerful insight into the lives of women who have fought for equality, justice, and freedom. By celebrating Women’s History Month, we can continue to build on the legacy of these women and work towards a better, more equal future for all.
