Women's History Month
In a world that’s roughly 50 percent female, there’s no shortage of remarkable women, nor is there a dearth of stories that celebrate them.
Some of these stories educate us: They shed light on customs being upheld by elders like Whang-Od, the oldest Kalinga tattooer in her Filipino community, and honor the younger generations working to keep their heritage alive, like the Native Arctic women who are reclaiming their own traditional tattoos. Other stories inspire us: Adventurers like Emily Ford, the first woman to tackle the Midwest’s formidable Ice Age Trail during winter, and Natalie Corbett, the first transgender woman to cycle the Pan American Highway, are carving paths both geographic and cultural for intrepid travelers to follow in years to come. Still other accounts of extraordinary women across the globe delight and intrigue us, from tales of female chefs who share their perspectives through the dishes they create to recollections of female travelers who dish on what it’s like to take on the world solo.
Women’s History Month is a reminder to acknowledge and appreciate the endless ways in which a world that’s roughly 50 percent populated by women is that much richer for it. These are the stories that make us proud to be part of that world, this month and every other.
A group of women run 150 miles through three National Monuments, giving a voice to women and people of color on behalf of our public lands.
At somewhere around 100 years old, Whang-od is the last true tattoo artist in the Philippines. She still practices the ancient form of tattooing she first began at 15—tattooing warriors and indigenous women. In this Matador Original, we learn about the pilgrimages modern travelers make for Whang-od’s tattoos, and how a new form of sustainable tourism is emerging which helps preserve local culture. Whang-Od: The Last True Tattoo Artist is a Webby Nominee in Video: Documentary: Longform.
Named World’s Best Female Chef in 2017, and made famous on Chef’s Table, Ana Roš describes herself as a “restless personality.” And yet by staying rooted in her native Kobarid, Slovenia, her creativity flourishes through her cooking. Her’s is a unique story of being a super educated and talented person destined for a career in international diplomacy, but deciding instead to stay in her home valley and preserve her culture.
Rani is a 17-year-old in Mumbai. Like most girls her age, she likes Instagram, boys and good food. But Rani is also the daughter of a sex worker, and she grew up hearing, “a whore’s daughter can only be a whore.” Follow filmmakers Doree Simon and Caz Tanner as they explore women’s empowerment efforts around the world. Episode one features a-day-in-the-life of Rani — who is transcending her circumstances and helping her community. "In Her Shoes: India" is a Webby Award Winner in the Diversity & Inclusion Video category. Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards, presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS), is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet.
Producers: Alexandra Halky, Kati Hetrick, Dheandra Jack, Laura Reilly, Doree Simon
Special Thanks: Katie Scott Aiton, Jessica Berdeau, Aaron Berdeau, Alex Bresler, Jessica Devnani, Ryan Dury, Maddie Gwinn, Stefan Klopp, Scott Sporleder, Andre Woolery