March is Women’s History Month and while we should celebrate all of the remarkable accomplishments women have made and the incredible women in our lives every day, a little informational, yet very inspirational, documentary never hurt. Here are five documentaries that inspire and educate about exceptional women, who’ve done exceptional things, from becoming the second woman on the Supreme Court to leading the first-ever all-female sailing crew to compete in the world’s greatest sailing event.
- He Named Me Malala
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Malala Yousafzai has inspired millions around the world with her story, bravery and commitment to fighting for equal and quality education rights for girls and women. In 2012, Malala was shot in the head by the Taliban after becoming a target in Pakistan for bravely speaking out about girls’ rights to education. Two years later Malala received the Nobel Peace Prize and became the youngest Nobel laureate and since then Malala kickstarted the Malala Fund alongside her father, graduated from Oxford University and continues to advocate for free, safe and quality education for all girls.
Davis Guggenheim’s 2015 documentary He Named Me Malala tells Malala’s story after surviving the Taliban’s attack on her life and as she becomes one of the world’s most inspiring women and activists today.
- Knock Down The House
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Knock Down The House follows four female political powerhouses Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, Amy Viela, Cori Bush and Paula Jean Swearingen in their efforts to fight for their political and social goals while also fighting against big corporate money in the 2018 Congressional races.
- Maiden
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The 2019 documentary Maiden details one of the greatest moments that shook the world of professional sports and quickly made history. In 1989, then 24-year old Tracy Edwards and her 12-woman crew became the first-ever all-female sailing team to compete in the very male-dominated Whitbread Round the World Race, now called The Ocean Race. Despite all the odds and skepticism, the Maiden won two out of six legs and finished second in its class. Afterward, Edwards gained worldwide recognition, won several awards including the distinguished Most Excellent Order of the British Empire honor, co-authored a book and is now a motivational speaker.
- Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise
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This film details the incredible life and extraordinary work and achievements of the late Maya Angelou, one of America’s most celebrated African-American poets, writers and civil rights activists. She made history by becoming the first African-American woman to have a nonfiction bestseller with her 1969 autobiography I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, among several other accomplishments. Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise is a moving and inspirational tribute to a true American icon.
- RBG
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RBG tells the story of the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a champion of women’s rights and gender equality and a pop culture icon. The film explores RBG’s history-making and inspiring journey from her beginnings as a lawyer to becoming a member of the highest court of law in the country. RBG’s determination to end sex-based discrimination in the workplace and to ensure women have equal rights made her a symbol of feminism and equal rights activism.
There are endless reasons to celebrate and honor women every day, including the strong women who have accomplished great things, have made history and all the amazing women we have in our lives.