International Women’s Day, celebrated every year on March 8th, is one of the oldest commemorative days dedicated to acknowledging and addressing privilege and oppression in the pursuit of equality. Originating in the early 20th century, the Socialist Party of America marked February 28, 1909, as the inaugural National Women’s Day amidst a period of unrest, during which women rallied for reduced working hours, equal pay, and suffrage rights. This tradition persisted on the last Sunday of February until 1913 when the date was shifted to March 8th, where it has since remained. However, the notion of extending the celebration throughout March emerged in the late 1970s in California, eventually gaining national recognition as Women’s History Month in 1980. Today, International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month acknowledge the profound impact of women on society and empower women and girls to advocate for equality. Each year, a theme is chosen to guide organized events worldwide, with the 2024 theme being ‘Inspire Inclusion’, highlighting the intersectionality of feminism and prioritizing diversity.

During this International Women’s Day and throughout Women’s History Month, rather than presenting recommendations, let us delve into some pivotal moments from the past century of film history where women played significant roles in advancing equality within the industry.

Women have been integral to cinema since its inception, from trailblazers like Alice Guy-Blaché, the first female director, to contemporary women-led films like Barbie. However, the path to such films began to unfold with the commercialization of cinema in the 1920s United States. While men occupied most directorial roles, women found themselves relegated to scriptwriting and costume design. This division saw the emergence of two distinct trajectories within women’s cinema: one adhering to conventional ‘classic Hollywood’ norms, and the other embracing avant-garde endeavors. Despite limited opportunities behind the camera, actresses like Marilyn Monroe and Joan Crawford became iconic symbols, although often confined to stereotypical, male-centric roles. Additionally, the Hays Code imposed self-censorship, further constraining the portrayal of female experiences, prompting some female creators, such as Dorothy Arzner, to navigate within the confines of the mainstream film industry, albeit with subversive critiques of its limitations.

Beyond the confines of classic Hollywood, female filmmakers explored avant-garde projects, fostering the emergence of feminist cinema. Over the years, scholars have engaged in debates regarding feminist film theory, particularly concerning the portrayal of women on screen and the narratives surrounding them. Laura Mulvey stands as one of the most renowned figures in this discourse, with her essay “Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema” shedding light on the concept of the male gaze. Mulvey’s work, rooted in second-wave feminism, aimed to challenge the objectification of female characters and advocate for more nuanced representations of female sexuality and relationships. Her seminal contributions paved the way for further exploration of diverse gazes within cinema, prompting scholars to question the dominance of the male gaze and advocate for more inclusive perspectives.

While various genres fall under the umbrella of ‘women’s cinema,’ achieving genuine representation of women’s experiences, independent of romantic narratives, has proven challenging. However, in recent decades, there has been a notable increase in female-centered films prioritizing women’s narratives over romantic subplots. Examples such as Barbie, The Hunger Games, and Mean Girls exemplify this shift, wherein women’s stories stand independently, rather than revolving solely around romantic interests. Despite this progress, male-centered narratives still dominate mainstream cinema.

As we observe Women’s History Month, we must reflect on the strides made in cinema and popular culture while acknowledging the lessons learned. While recent trends in female-centric storytelling are promising, it is crucial to address the underrepresentation of minority women in these narratives. As we embrace this year’s theme of ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ let us commit to supporting projects that amplify diverse voices and experiences. Although the history of film spans just over a century, the journey toward equitable representation continues, fueled by the inspiring strides made in including diverse stories and perspectives.