Women’s History Month is celebrated all March long. Congress established it in 1987 to honor women and their journeys throughout history.
There are five categories that define women’s empowerment: social, educational, economic, political, and psychological. Examples of women who have been empowered include former vice President Kamala Harris, Media mogul Oprah Winfrey, gymnast Simone Biles, and Chemist Rosalind Franklin.
Although there are many other empowered women from all walks of life, the article would be longer if all were mentioned. Movies have been made that showcase women who show that they are capable of so many things and that believing in themselves is the first step to success. Here are some films that illustrate women’s empowerment.
“Six Triple-Eight”
Directed and filmed by Tyler Perry, Six Triple Eight was released in 2024. It illustrated women who served in World War II and deployed to Europe in February 1945.
The Six Triple Eight women were set to deliver a backlog of undelivered mail for military soldiers. As many soldiers are fighting in war, it significantly impacted them to be out of touch with their loved ones.
The main character, Charity Adams, played by Kerry Washington, conducted all 850 women of her troop members. Faced with segregation, substandard living conditions, and intense pressure, Adams was challenged to deliver three years of undelivered mail in six months.
This courageous group of black women victoriously delivered this mail in 90 days, which surprised their higher-ups.
“Hidden Figures”
This captivating film was released in 2016. It is a biological drama that illustrates three African American women taking on important roles at NASA.
Taraji P. Henson played Katherine Johnson, Octavia Johnson played Dorthy Vaughan, and Janelle Monae played Mary Jackson.
Three historical women significantly impacted NASA during the Space Race in the 1960s. Johnson played a crucial role in specific calculations for safe space missions. Vaughan became NASA’s first black supervisor and a self-taught programming expert, and Jackson broke barriers and became NASA’s first black engineer.
Although these women faced many forms of racial and gender discrimination, they contributed to America’s success by launching astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
“Legally Blonde”
Another film created in the early 2000s is the comedy Legally Blonde. Reese Witherspoon played Elle Woods, a fashionista and president of her sorority who unexpectedly conquers Harvard Law School.
Woods, known for her bubbly and witty personality, took law school by storm. She tried desperately to fit in, which was very easy for her, but she struggled to fit in when she attended law school. She struggled to show that she was more than her looks.
Woods was given the opportunity to intern on a high-profile murder case. She won the case by using her charm and wit, proving to be true to her authentic self.
“Black Panther 2:Wakanda Forever”
A film released in 2022; The sequel to the original Black Panther film.
This film explores the aftermath of the passing of Chadwick Boseman, who played King T’Challa, and his sister, Letitia Wright, who played Princess Shuri, who struggled to take on the responsibility of her nation.
Shuri and her mother, Queen Ramonda, played by Angela Basset, navigate their nation through a rough period after their former king’s passing. Shuri is challenged by Namor, a character played by Tenoch Huerta, the ruler of the underwater kingdom of Talokan.
Towards the end of the film, Shuri is set to protect and defend her nation’s legacy. She defeats the enemy, embracing her destiny to leadership as she successfully protects Wakanda.
“Moana”
Moana is an animated adventure film released in 2016. It is a favorite of many. Auli’i Cravalho is the voice behind the animated main character.
She is a Samoan Princess who is set to save her island. This Disney Princess faced challenges at sea, where she learned to embody her strengths as a Wayfinder.
Moana, chosen by the ocean, sets out to leave her home and find the demigod Maui, voiced by Dwayne Johnson, to restore the heart of Te Fiti.
With Maui’s help, she defeats Te Ka. When she returns to her island, she takes on the role of chief. In the film, Moana illustrates courage, bravery, and having the ability to follow her destiny.
These movies are just some of the few that showcase what women are capable of. Some of these movies are based on true stories. Women have done so much. It’s still March, which means Women’s History Month. Celebrate and appreciate women every day, not just in March.
Casey Brewer, Reporter