Celebrating Women’s History Month in Film
For the past 20 years at ITVS, we’ve been producing, broadcasting, and extending innovative and eye-opening programming focusing on the shared and unique experiences of women worldwide. Our documentaries have covered everything from glass-ceiling-shattering female heads of state to the grassroots movements in developing nations led by women who refused to accept no for an answer. Our films have addressed women’s experiences related to ethnicity, religion, race, age, socioeconomic circumstances, political equality, sexual orientation, gender identity, motherhood, peace and justice issues, scientific discovery, literary accomplishment, and artistic mastery.
We’ve gathered here some resources that represent a cross-section of our best programming about remarkable women, including some great resources for educators to use in their classrooms.
 | Taking Root: The Vison of Wangari MaathaiLesson Plans How does the simple act of planting trees lead to winning the Nobel Peace Prize? Ask Wangari Maathai of Kenya. In 1977, she suggested rural women plant trees to address problems stemming from a degraded environment. Under her leadership, their tree planting grew into a nationwide movement to safeguard the environment, defend human rights and promote democracy. And it brought Maathai the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. From Roots to Branches lesson plan |
 | Iron Ladies of LiberiaLesson Plans From the Women’s Suffrage movement in the United States to Africa’s first elected female president to the possibility of the United States’ first female presidential nominee from a major party, the voice of women in democracy has been and continues to be a critical struggle. In this lesson, students examine the significant women-led administration of Liberia and consider whether the world’s governments would be different with more women in power. Students will also consider the ways in which notable women in American politics have challenged government to change or maintain the status quo. |
 | Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and RhymesLesson Plans Hip-hop is notorious for images that commodify women as sex objects. Even a casual survey of a channel like BET will show video after video with scantily clad, sexualized women. At the same time, male power and aggression in hip-hop often comes from feminizing opponents, and therefore homophobia is very present in imagery and in lyrics. This lesson analyzes rap music lyrics and their impact on the listener. |
 | Afghanistan UnveiledLesson Plans These two lessons use Afghanistan Unveiled and several websites to explore women's issues including the struggle to survive in post-war Afghanistan, the progress being made to secure the rights of women and some of the challenges that slow the process. |
 | Sisters of '77Lesson Plans These two lessons allow students to deepen their understanding of the issues addressed by the women's movement and some of the general issues that affect women and girls today. While they address themes that are clearly related to women and girls, boys will also benefit from these lessons and should be encouraged to participate. |
 | BhuttoBhutto chronicles the life of one of the most complex and fascinating characters of our time. Hers is an epic tale of Shakespearean dimension. It’s the story of the first Muslim woman elected in history to lead an Islamic nation: Pakistan. |
 | Chisholm ’72: Unbought & UnbossedIn 1972, black congresswoman Shirley Chisholm ran for the Democratic Presidential nomination, launching a groundbreaking campaign that united an unlikely coalition of supporters from every walk of life. |
 | Blessed Is the MatchShe was only 22 years old when she parachuted into Nazi-occupied Europe in an effort to save the Jews of Hungary. But when poet and diarist Hannah Senesh was executed by the Nazis a year later, the modern-day Joan of Arc had already left behind a body of work and a legacy of bravery that would inspire generations to come. |
 | Mrs. Goundo’s DaughterIn the West African country of Mali, 90 percent of the female population is forced to undergo female genital cutting. Mrs. Goundo's Daughter tells the story of one mother's fight for political asylum in the United States in order to protect her daughter from this traditional practice and explores the long and unpredictable legal process. |
 | Heart of the Sea: Kapolioka'ehukaiRell “Kapolioka’ehukai” Sunn died in January 1998 of breast cancer at the age of 47. Known worldwide as a pioneer of women’s professional surfing, at home in Hawaii, Rell achieved the stature of an icon — not only for her physical power, grace, and luminous beauty, but for her leadership in a community that loved her as much as she loved it. |
 | Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little RockAs a black woman who was a feminist before the term was invented, Daisy Bates refused to accept her assigned place in society. Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock tells the story of her life and public support of nine black students who registered to attend the all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, which culminated in a constitutional crisis — pitting a president against a governor and a community against itself. Unconventional, revolutionary, and egotistical, Daisy Bates reaped the rewards of instant fame, but paid dearly for it. |
 | Hansel Mieth: Vagabond PhotographerHansel Meith was a pioneering woman photojournalist who created some of the most indelible images of America mid-20th century. A German immigrant who arrived in this country in the midst of the Great Depression, she rose to become a celebrated LIFE magazine staff photographer. Armed with convictions, perseverance, and talent, Mieth courageously carved out a career in the male-dominated world of photojournalism at a time when very few women were accepted in the profession. |
 | Patsy Mink: Ahead of the MajorityIn 1965, Patsy Mink became the first Asian American woman and woman of color in the United States Congress. Patsy Mink: Ahead of the Majority looks at Mink's remarkable political journey, while often lonely and tumultuous, as she fought for the most disenfranchised and forgotten in society. |
