Nairobi News

Globally, on March 8, women across the world are celebrated for their social, economic, cultural and political achievements. In 2024, the theme of the day is ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress.’

To this end, Nairobi News lists six movies created or directed by women; or featuring strong female leads that everyone should watch as part of their contribution in celebrating International Women’s Day.

1. Woman King- Starring multi-award winning actress Viola Davis, the woman kind is a historical epic movie based on true events that took place in the Kingdom of Dahomey in the 18th and 19th centuries. The story is about Agojie, an all female unit of warriors who protected the kingdom at all costs including risking their lives and limbs to protect the land. The movie follows General Nanisca and the Agojie in protecting the kingdom from Oyo Empire – who the General and the Agojie provoked by freeing women they had enslaved- while also championing sisterhood and fearlessness in the face of war.
2. Wakanda movies- These movies put strong female leads front and center despite the story line being about the king, succession and protection of Wakanda. Award wining actresses including Lupita Nyongo, Angela Basset, Danai Gurura and Letitia Wright played pivotal roles that showed how women were important in ensuring the safety and continuity of the kingdom beyond a king’s death and what it takes to lead as a woman in times where men were sought for decision making.
3. Barbie- However comical considering its origin story, the Barbie Movie directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie, Issa Rae, Kate McKinnon and Alexandra Shipp among a host of other strong female leads was about Barbies, living in a matriarchal society in Barbieland, finally taking up space against Ken dolls who took over the Barbieland following a disagreement between the main Barbie and Ken. The movie is a story about self discovery for both Barbies and Kens as they encounter reality outside Barbieland, finding purpose in life and stepping out into the unknown to experience ‘alien’ things outside one’s bubble.
4. Scandal- If you have been breathing for the past five years, then you will know who Olivia Pope is. Starring Kerry Washington, the storyline revolves around White House handler Olivia Pope, her relationship with the President and his wife and how she fixes all problems related to the presidency, often without breaking a sweat. This roller coster drama portrays what it takes to achieve goals, celebrate successes as one aims at the next glass ceiling- including the President’s wife running for and winning the presidency once he steps down, It is worth the watch- especially her power walks and rants.

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