Women's History Month

Eight Books, TV Shows, Movies to Enjoy This Women’s History Month

Indulge in an assortment of books, television shows, and films for women, by women

“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands for all women.”—Maya Angelou 

March is Women’s History Month—a time to celebrate women and their tenacity to succeed regardless of the obstacles they face. To commemorate the month, check out this assortment of books, television shows, and movies for women, by women.

Books

1. Little Women by Louis May Alcott

Little Women is the perfect coming of age story, based on the lives of 19th-century writer Louisa May Alcott and her sisters. The book explores the lives of four sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy—and their defining moments as they enter womanhood. Alcott takes you on an emotional journey, vividly detailing heartbreaks, misfortunes, and triumphs. No matter if you are young or old, Little Women is a classic must-read, filled with powerful life lessons derived from a variety of experiences.

2. Becoming by Michelle Obama

In this moving memoir, former First Lady Michelle Obama dives headfirst into her life and shares the lessons she’s learned along the way. From her childhood living on the South Side of Chicago to being the First Lady, the advice and stories shared in her book can inspire all women.

3. Bad Feminist: Essays by Roxanne Gay

Afraid you don’t fit the ideal feminist mold? Read Roxane Gay’s Bad Feminist: Essays, a book comprising topics spanning from pop culture to race and politics. The book showcases the raw, comedic, relatable thoughts of Gay trying to be a feminist, while having contradictory thoughts regarding the stereotypical expectations of feminists. Gay helps readers recognize that it’s okay to have these different thoughts because they allow you to discover yourself.

Television series

4. Jane the Virgin

Jane the Virgin is a comedy-drama centered around Jane (portrayed by Gina Rodriguez), a Latina woman who receives life-altering information from her doctor. However, the news doesn’t break her, but instead ignites a fire where she showcases strength, humility, and beauty while navigating her uncertainties.

5. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

The popular Amazon Prime Video series follows 1950s New York City housewife Miriam Maisel as she discovers her hidden talent: stand-up comedy. Now, in a male-dominated industry, Miriam must prove to her family and the world that she has what it takes to be a female comedian. Currently, the first three seasons, and the first few episodes of the fourth, are on Amazon Prime Video.

Movies

6. Enola Holmes

The Netflix original movie, which recently got picked up for a sequel, stars Millie Bobby Brown as famous detective Sherlock Holmes’ feisty and intelligent younger sister. To find her mother, who has mysteriously disappeared, Enola must follow a series of clues across England without being caught by her uptight older brothers. Along Enola’s journey, she meets new friends and discovers unforeseen enemies, all while serving as a bold and inspiring feminist lead.

7. On the Basis of Sex

On the Basis of Sex is based on the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg (RBG). In the film, RBG, portrayed by Felicity Jones, is a struggling attorney facing adversity in her fight for equal rights and attempting to change a sexist judicial system. Through the film’s progression, viewers gain an insight into the path she took to win the cases that defined her career early on. That path ultimately resulted in RBG being nominated and confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice. On the Basis of Sex empowers women everywhere to keep fighting for what they believe in even if they haven’t received their desired outcome yet. 

8. Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé

Homecoming is a concert documentary, codirected by Beyoncé, following the process leading up to her breathtaking performance as the first Black woman to headline the Coachella festival. While the documentary is filled with countless hits and cheerful moments, its underlying message is showcasing what it means to be a working mom and the sacrifices made. It also inspires women not to shy away from being passionate when it comes to the execution of their vision.

We hope this Women’s History Month and every day after it, you find pleasure in at least a few of these finds. Admire these women’s artistry as they give you an inside look at their unique perspective and challenges in their stories and exemplify empowerment. Enjoy!