12 of 13 results for "women in history"
Student Article
Women in the American Revolution: Courageous Contributions on the Road to Independence
The article "Women in the American Revolution: Courageous Contributions on the Road to Independence" from BBC's HistoryExtra explores the diverse roles women played during the American Revolution. It highlights figures like Abigail Adams, who advocated for women's rights; Deborah Sampson, who disguised herself as a man to fight; and Phillis Wheatley, an enslaved poet whose writings inspired many.
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The Fight for Females in Film

In The Fight for Females in Film, Geena Davis, an actress and founder of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, points out that for every three male characters speaking in movies, there's only one female. She believes that by changing how women are portrayed in movies, we can help create a more balanced world with women in powerful roles. This video is excerpted from BBC's Her Story — The Female Revolution, which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.

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Christine Lagarde’s Legacy

In Christine Lagarde’s Legacy, ​​learn how Christine Lagarde made history as the first woman to lead the International Monetary Fund and now serves as President of the European Central Bank. She shares stories about overcoming challenges in a male-dominated field, including being told she could never become a law firm partner simply because she was a woman. She worked tirelessly while raising two children, later earning their admiration for paving her own way. Lagarde believes that empowering women in finance and leadership will create prosperity for all. This video is excerpted from BBC's Her Story — The Female Revolution, which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.

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Women Who Lead

In Women Who Lead, explore the experiences of female leaders like Margaret Thatcher, Hillary Clinton, and Michelle Bachelet. Thatcher believes her success came from her abilities, and doesn't focus on being a woman, though some critics say she didn’t create paths for other women. Clinton faced criticism for not emphasizing women’s rights in her 2008 presidential campaign, while Bachelet highlights the challenges women face in conservative countries, where they must confront prejudice to lead. This video is excerpted from BBC's Her Story — The Female Revolution, which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.

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What Does the Statue of Liberty Stand For?

In What Does the Statue of Liberty Stand For?, historian Lucy Worsley investigates the origins and meanings of the Statue of Liberty. When it was unveiled in 1886, women protested that women did not have liberty; neither was there liberty and equality for African Americans. Emma Lazarus wrote a poem, The New Colossus, which not only raised money for the statue but gave her a new purpose: to welcome immigrants from the rest of the world. This video is excerpted from BBC's American History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley, in which Worsley reveals the myths and manipulations behind American history.

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Laleh Seddigh’s Bold Racing Journey

In Laleh Seddigh’s Bold Racing Journey, learn about Iran's first female race car driver, who broke barriers by racing against men in a sport traditionally dominated by men. In a society where women are discouraged from participating in sports, Laleh proved women are just as capable. Laleh’s passion for driving started when she was just 11 years old, and her mother remembers catching her behind the wheel of a Buick one day. Now, racing is not just her hobby — it's a career that continues to challenge stereotypes. This video is excerpted from BBC's Her Story — The Female Revolution, which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.

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Martin Luther King Jr.'s Conflicting Politics

In Martin Luther King Jr.'s Conflicting Politics, historian Lucy Worsley learns that although Martin Luther King Jr. campaigned for Civil Rights, he didn't have the same beliefs of equality for men and women. Women were not allowed to speak at the March in Washington. This video is excerpted from BBC's American History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley, in which Worsley reveals the myths and manipulations behind American history.

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Emmeline Pankhurst and the Fight for Women's Suffrage and Equality

In Emmeline Pankhurst: The Fight for Women's Suffrage and Equality, host Sanjeev Bhaskar delves into the life and activism of Emmeline Pankhurst, a key figure in the women's suffrage movement. Learn how Pankhurst led the suffragettes in their fight for equal rights and the right to vote, resorting to militancy and hunger strikes to challenge the status quo. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.

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The Female Future Engineers of India

In The Female Future Engineers of India, Sue Perkins travels to Patna, India, where she learns about a school helping girls become engineers. These schools, which have grown from three to 18 in just 20 years, are empowering young women to chase big dreams. While the girls share their hopes for the future, they discuss how, despite their education, their parents still have the final say in who they marry. Sue highlights how, over the past couple of decades, these women have gone from staying at home to gaining powerful skills for their careers. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The Ganges with Sue Perkins, which showcases Sue’s journey along the Ganges River, exploring its cultural and spiritual significance in India.

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Sweden's Feminist Approach to International Relations

In Sweden's Feminist Approach to International Relations, Margot Wallström, Sweden's Foreign Minister since 2014, talks about her decision to run a feminist foreign policy. She explains how this policy looks at the world’s problems from a gender perspective, asking whether women have the same rights, representation, and resources as men. Margot shares how growing up in Sweden, one of Europe’s most equal societies, shaped her beliefs in unrestricted hope for the future. She also reflects on the extra scrutiny women face, such as having their appearance commented on, rather than focusing on their work. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Her Story — The Female Revolution, which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.

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Jane Goodall's Life Among the Chimpanzees

In Jane Goodall's Life Among the Chimpanzees, host Dermot O'Leary explores the groundbreaking work of a young woman who transformed our understanding of animal behavior and human origins. Jane Goodall’s determination and pioneering spirit took her from a typist in Bournemouth to a world-renowned primatologist. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.

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Jane Goodall and the Fight for Chimpanzees

In Jane Goodall and the Fight for Chimpanzees, host Dermot O'Leary hears a powerful message from Jane Goodall about the importance of preserving chimpanzees and their habitats. Goodall emphasizes that individual actions matter, and that hope is essential in tackling seemingly impossible challenges. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.