Books, Films and Podcasts that Celebrate Women


International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the gender we identify with, but it’s also a time for educating ourselves on what needs to change. In the past week the Northern Rivers region of NSW and beyond suffered a devastating natural disaster – floods and landslides have ravaged our homes and we’re still reeling from the shock. But amidst this catastrophe one thing I’ve noticed is at the helm of so many of the relief efforts was a woman with a clipboard. She stood strong, in charge and absolutely determined. In 2022, the theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Break The Bias’ – championing equity, supporting our sisters by fighting discrimination, stereotyping and systemic oppression. Well I can tell you – on the frontline of yet another climate disaster the women in our community have taken charge and are getting it done. I feel humbled by their strength and fortitude. Today, we invite you to get amongst some of the fantastic films, tv shows, books and podcasts that put women front and centre, (not necessarily with a clipboard, but in their own unique way) and often challenge our own perceptions and biases.



Watch

1. Hidden Figure

Three female mathematicians working at NASA during the Space Race? Sounds boring on paper, but this film makes maths so enthralling you’ll want to return to high school and do it all again. Not to mention you’ll find yourself falling in love with Katherine, Dorothy and Mary as they prove themselves in both a male and white-dominated workplace, literally saving lives in the process.

 

2. Erin Brockovich

Erin Brockovich is just so damn good, even when you’ve seen it 25 times. From Julia Roberts’ stellar performance to the gripping David-vs-Goliath plot, it’ll leave you wanting to change the world.

 

3. Steel Magnolias

As 80s as they come, Steel Magnolias is worth watching with your girlfriends on International Women’s Day. At its heart a film about the strength of female friendships, Clementine Ford recently featured the film in her Deep Dive series on Instagram, singing its praises as an “homage to the sanctity of women’s spaces”, and its depiction of the strong communities women create with each other.

 

Listen

1. Call Your Girlfriend

This podcast, which began in 2014, is sadly coming to an end - but there’s never been a better time to start listening to the plethora of episodes available. Created originally as a conversational podcast for long-distance besties to catch up, it’s since become known for its searingly accurate takes on women’s issues. It’s like a warm hug with a dash of real talk.

 

2. There's No Place Like Home

Domestic and family violence has never been more of an urgent issue for Australians, and this 10-part podcast by Future Women is hosted by Tarang Chawla, whose sister Nikita was killed by her partner in 2015, spends each episode with a survivor to shed light on the lived experience of domestic and family violence. It’s a tough listen but it’s such a deeply important one, especially today.

 

Read

1. Talkin’ Up To The White Woman: Indigenous Women And Feminism

It’s crucial that we check our privilege on International Women’s Day, and there is no better way to do that than to educate yourself on the experiences of minority groups and women of colour. This pioneering work by Aileen Moreton-Robson has been in print for over two decades, but is still considered one of the best texts that dissects white Australian feminism, and is a very thought-provoking read.

 

2. Whipping Girl

Alongside educating ourselves on the experiences of women of colour, learning more about the experiences of trans women is another way we can help break bias and better support our sisters. Written in 2007 by American gender theorist Julia Serano, the collection of essays is a powerful exploration of misogyny toward trans women. Trust us when we say this is a work that will stay with you long after you finish reading.

 

Watch

1. Hidden Figure

Three female mathematicians working at NASA during the Space Race? Sounds boring on paper, but this film makes maths so enthralling you’ll want to return to high school and do it all again. Not to mention you’ll find yourself falling in love with Katherine, Dorothy and Mary as they prove themselves in both a male and white-dominated workplace, literally saving lives in the process.

 

2. Erin Brockovich

Erin Brockovich is just so damn good, even when you’ve seen it 25 times. From Julia Roberts’ stellar performance to the gripping David-vs-Goliath plot, it’ll leave you wanting to change the world.

 

3. Steel Magnolias

As 80s as they come, Steel Magnolias is worth watching with your girlfriends on International Women’s Day. At its heart a film about the strength of female friendships, Clementine Ford recently featured the film in her Deep Dive series on Instagram, singing its praises as an “homage to the sanctity of women’s spaces”, and its depiction of the strong communities women create
with each other.

 

Listen

1. Call Your Girlfriend

This podcast, which began in 2014, is sadly coming to an end - but there’s never been a better time to start listening to the plethora of episodes available. Created originally as a conversational podcast for long-distance besties to catch up, it’s since become known for its searingly accurate takes on women’s issues. It’s like a warm hug with a dash of real talk.

 

2. There's No Place Like Home

Domestic and family violence has never been more of an urgent issue for Australians, and this 10-part podcast by Future Women is hosted by Tarang Chawla, whose sister Nikita was killed by her partner in 2015, spends each episode with a survivor to shed light on the lived experience of domestic and family violence. It’s a tough listen but it’s such a deeply important one, especially today.

 

Read

1. Talkin’ Up To The White Woman: Indigenous Women And Feminism

It’s crucial that we check our privilege on International Women’s Day, and there is no better way to do that than to educate yourself on the experiences of minority groups and women of colour. This pioneering work by Aileen Moreton-Robson has been in print for over two decades, but is still considered one of the best texts that dissects white Australian feminism, and is a very thought-provoking read.

 

2. Whipping Girl

Alongside educating ourselves on the experiences of women of colour, learning more about the experiences of trans women is another way we can help break bias and better support our sisters. Written in 2007 by American gender theorist Julia Serano, the collection of essays is a powerful exploration of misogyny toward trans women. Trust us when we say this is a work that will stay with you long after you finish reading.