International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8th. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of women and to call for gender equality and women’s rights. The theme for International Women’s Day, 8 March 2023 (IWD 2023) is #EmbraceEquity.

IWD has been observed for over 100 years, with the first celebration taking place in 1911. Since then, it has become a global event, with people in countries all over the world coming together to celebrate the achievements of women and to call for further progress toward gender equality.

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of women to society and to celebrate their achievements in areas such as politics, economics, and social activism. It is also a day to call for continued progress toward gender equality, including ending gender-based violence, promoting women’s access to education and employment opportunities, and ensuring that women have equal representation in leadership positions.

5 Inspiring Movies To Watch On International Women’s Day

Here are some things that you can do to mark this day:

“The Color Purple” (1985)

“The Color Purple” (1985) is a landmark film that achieved critical acclaim and had a significant impact on the representation of African-American women in Hollywood. The film was directed by Steven Spielberg and featured a talented cast of African-American actors, including Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Danny Glover.

The movie was praised for its authentic and honest portrayal of the African-American experience and for tackling themes such as racism, sexism, and domestic violence. The film’s treatment of these issues helped to raise awareness and promote social justice, and it was recognized with numerous awards and nominations, including eleven Academy Award nominations.

“The Color Purple” is considered a significant achievement for the representation of African-American women in the entertainment industry. The movie’s focus on the experiences of African-American women highlighted their unique struggles and challenges, and it inspired a new generation of African-American women to pursue careers in the entertainment industry.

“The Color Purple” is an important cultural milestone that has left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. It serves as a testament to the importance of diversity, representation, and social justice in media, and it continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers and activists to fight for equality and justice for all.

“A League of Their Own” (1992)

“A League of Their Own” (1992) is an acclaimed film that broke new ground in the portrayal of women in sports films. The movie tells the story of a women’s baseball league created during World War II and explores themes of empowerment, gender equality, and the challenges that women face when fighting against gender stereotypes.

The film’s talented cast, which includes Geena Davis, Tom Hanks, Madonna, and Rosie O’Donnell, delivered standout performances that were praised by audiences and critics. The movie’s direction, writing, and music were also recognized for their excellence, and the film was nominated for two Academy Awards.

Moreover, “A League of Their Own” inspired a new generation of female athletes and emphasized the importance of promoting women’s sports in the mainstream media. The movie’s positive portrayal of female athletes challenged stereotypes and helped to advance the cause of women’s equality in sports.

Overall, “A League of Their Own” is recognized as a landmark achievement in the film industry, highlighting the importance of diversity and representation in media and inspiring audiences to support gender equality in sports and beyond.

“North Country” (2005)

“North Country” is a drama film directed by Niki Caro, released in 2005. The movie is inspired by the real-life landmark case of Lois Jenson, the first woman to file a sexual harassment lawsuit against a mining company in the United States. The film tells the story of Josey Aimes, a fictional character based on Jenson, who faces harassment and discrimination in her workplace, and the uphill battle she and other women wage against the company and the town’s deeply ingrained sexism. The movie stars Charlize Theron, Frances McDormand, and Sissy Spacek, and is notable for its frank depiction of sexual harassment and its impact on women’s lives, as well as its portrayal of the strength and solidarity of women who fight for justice.

“North Country” is a film that has achieved critical acclaim and has made an impact on the public’s understanding of gender-based discrimination and violence. The movie was based on a real-life class-action lawsuit that helped change the legal landscape for sexual harassment in the workplace. The film also contributed to a broader public conversation about the issue and helped raise awareness of the struggles that women face in male-dominated industries. 

“North Country” has been praised for its raw and honest portrayal of the issue, as well as the performances of its actors, particularly Charlize Theron, who won several awards for her portrayal of the film’s protagonist. The movie’s impact can still be felt today, as it continues to be used as an educational tool to promote awareness and advocacy around issues of gender-based violence and harassment.

“Little Women” (2019)

“Little Women” is a drama film directed by Greta Gerwig, and released in 2019. The movie is based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel of the same name, and tells the story of the four March sisters, Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth, growing up in the late 1800s in Concord, Massachusetts. The film explores themes of family, love, sisterhood, and creative ambition, as well as the constraints and expectations placed on women in the Victorian era. The movie features an all-star cast, including Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, and Meryl Streep, and has been praised for its emotional depth, beautiful cinematography, and modern interpretation of a beloved classic.

Furthermore, “Little Women” has been widely recognized for its focus on women’s stories and the importance of representation in the film industry. The movie’s emphasis on female characters and their experiences was seen as a significant achievement for women in cinema and an inspiration for other filmmakers to tell diverse and empowering stories.

Overall, “Little Women” represented a significant achievement for the film industry and has left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

“Mulan” (2020)

“Mulan” is a live-action adaptation of the animated Disney film of the same name, released in 2020. The movie is directed by Niki Caro and is based on the ancient Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, a young woman who disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in the Imperial Army and defend China from invaders. The film celebrates Mulan’s bravery, skill, and determination, as well as the values of family, loyalty, and honor. The movie features an all-Asian cast, including Liu Yifei, Donnie Yen, and Jet Li, and is notable for its stunning visuals, exciting action sequences, and respectful treatment of Chinese culture and history.

“Mulan” brought attention to the issue of gender representation and highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment. The film’s portrayal of a strong, independent female character who challenged gender norms and societal expectations resonated with audiences worldwide and sparked a conversation about gender equality and female empowerment.

Despite mixed reviews, “Mulan” has had a positive impact on the representation of Asian cultures and the portrayal of women in mainstream media, making it a significant achievement in the entertainment industry.

Summary

In conclusion, International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women and promote gender equality. Watching inspiring movies is a great way to honor this day, and the movies we have highlighted all celebrate women and their accomplishments.

All of these movies are exceptional movies that showcase the talent and strength of women and inspire us to fight for equality and social justice. These movies tackle important themes such as gender, identity, and family and help to promote diversity and representation in the entertainment industry.

By watching these movies, we can celebrate the progress we have made in promoting gender equality and be inspired to continue working toward a world where women are treated with respect and dignity. We hope that these movie recommendations inspire you to celebrate International Women’s Day and support the cause of women’s empowerment and gender equality. Follow Ink In Action for more updates about International Women’s Day.