We’re writing women back into history. Here’s our coverage of influential women through the years.
Over the years The Story Exchange has celebrated Women’s History month by highlighting extraordinary women smashing glass ceilings in a diverse number of fields. We’ve looked at the women who fought for female suffrage and gender equality through our 100 Years of Power podcast series. We’ve highlighted women launching groundbreaking businesses at the intersection of food and science through our video series The Future of Food – and looked to historical female figures who were pioneers in the food industry. We’ve followed the personal journeys of women in Afghanistan. And we’ve looked to female artists of the past, who photographed war, transformed portraits, and sought revenge through their work.
Take a look at some inspiring women from history who you may not know.
Women in Food
Meet Lena Richard, the First Black Woman to Have Her Own TV Show
Lena Richard was the original Martha Stewart, with a cooking show, a cookbook, restaurants, and even a frozen foods empire.
Meet Julia Child, the Not So French, French Chef
The California native brought French recipes into American homes through her iconic cookbook and much loved cooking show.
Meet MFK Fisher, Who Changed the Way We Write About Food
The prolific author turned essays about eating into thoughts about love and life.
This Culinary Icon Introduced America to Real Chinese Cuisine
Cecilia Chiang opened America’s first authentic Chinese restaurant, The Mandarin, in 1960s San Francisco.
Meet Madame Clicquot, the Creator of Modern Champagne
Veuve Clicquot isn’t just a Champagne brand – it’s also the name of a trailblazing woman.
Women in Art
She Turned a Crime Committed Against Her into Art
Artemisia Gentileschi was not only a supremely talented Renaissance artist, but a feminist painter ahead of her time.
Her Photos Captured a Side of War Not Seen Before
In a career cut tragically short, Gerda Taro was the world’s first female war photographer
Her Career Challenged Stereotypes — and So Did Her Most Famous Photo
Frances B. Johnston served as the White House’s first official photographer but captured far more when it came to American identity.
This Renaissance Painter Dared to Paint Herself
Catharina van Hemessen is believed to be the first artist – male or female – to ever paint a portrait of themselves at the easel.
The Victorian Photographer Who Changed Portrait Photography Forever
At age 48, Julia Margaret Cameron picked up a camera for the first time and – long before artsy Instagram filters – popularized the soft-focus close-up.
Women in Journalism
Ten Days in the Madhouse: Nellie Bly’s Undercover Mission Inside an Insane Asylum
Nellie Bly reported from the frontlines, went undercover in asylums and factories, and forever changed American journalism.
She Exposed the Darkest Aspects of American History
Ida B. Wells investigated lynchings in the South and campaigned for justice.
The Voice Who Warned America About Hitler
Dorothy Thompson was a World War II reporter and broadcaster who challenged fascism and redefined women’s voices in public life.
She Reported on World War II – Over the Airwaves and In Photos
Mary Marvin Breckenridge Patterson was the lone woman in the group of foreign correspondents known as “Murrow’s Boys.”
Women Activists
This One-Time Maid Marched With MLK and Became a Powerful Voice for Domestic Workers
Dorothy Bolden spent her early years working as a maid – then she became their most powerful political organizer.
Remembering the Godmother of Title IX
When Bernice Sandler was told she was “too strong for a woman” she dedicated her life to breaking down barriers.
She Fought for Her People’s Rights – And to Safeguard Native American Culture
Zitkála-Šá was a prolific writer and activist who co-founded the National Council of American Indians. And she penned the first ever Native opera.
She Advocated for Intersectional Feminism – in the 19th Century
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper was an abolitionist, suffragist and prolific writer.
Women Making History
Remembering Women in War for Women’s History Month
As we witness bold women join the frontlines in Ukraine, we recognize women’s war efforts of the past.
Inspiring Quotes from 11 Iconic Women Who Made History
For Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting women who achieved fantastic “firsts” in politics, the arts and more. These are their words.
She Came, She Saw, She Conquered: 8 Women Who Changed The World
The next time you wear blue jeans or use a stir-fry pan, thank these women. Here’s a look at eight game-changers for Women’s History Month.
As Hollywood Strikes, Let’s Remember 7 Real-Life Norma Raes
Writers and performers are fighting for fair pay and conditions, so we’re taking a look at women who have led workers’ rights movements over the years.
Meet the Directors of Oscar-Shortlisted Documentary ‘The Janes’
The film, which chronicles a women-led underground abortion group from 50 years ago, is eerily relatable for women in today’s post-Roe world.
100 Years of Power, Part 1: Battle for Suffrage
How Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton led a rancorous fight, at times at odds with Lucy Stone and Sojourner Truth. With historian Ellen DuBois.
100 Years of Power, Part 2: Slow Burn of Progress
From Eleanor Roosevelt to Shirley Chisholm, women begin to win control over their lives and bodies. With historians Susan Ware and Gina Luria Walker and advocate Nell Merlino.
100 Years of Power, Part 3: What the Future Holds
In 2020, six diverse women run for president, and Nancy Pelosi takes the House. With experts Molly Ball, Kelly Dittmar, Ronnee Schreiber and Glynda Carr.
“100 Years of Power” Trailer
We’re working on a special 3-part podcast series to mark the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment.
Afghan Women Project
The Pop Star Whose Fan Helped Her Get Out
After Shakiba Teimori showed her long, flowing hair on television, it was as if she were exiled. And then she fled for real.
The College Student Getting a Fresh Start
Rodaba Noori is enjoying her new life at Bard College in upstate New York, but she still doesn’t consider it home.
Afghan Women: ‘We Are Not Fragile’
We speak to women who fled Afghanistan – as well as some who are still there. Our goal is to give Afghan women visibility at a time when the Taliban seeks to erase them from public life.
The Judge Who Escaped: ‘We Lost All of Our Achievement’
Since the Taliban’s return to power, women judges – who once dared to sentence men for their crimes – have been forced into hiding. We spoke to one whose identity we are protecting.
The Aspiring Journalist Following in the Footsteps of Her Father
Marwa Dashty’s father, a well-known journalist, was killed after the Taliban took over. Now, the 20-year-old wants to continue his legacy by becoming a journalist herself.
The Mobile App Developer Secretly Working Online
Parima hides the fact that she works remotely, as many of her neighbors in Afghanistan don’t believe women should have jobs.
The Founder of Afghanistan’s First All-Girls Coding School
Fereshteh Forough opened Afghanistan’s first coding school for girls and women – but the Taliban’s ban on education prevents students from learning in-person.
‘The Women in AI Are Talking’ Podcast
…and it’s up to us to listen. We talk with innovative women leading AI startups about the obstacles they’re facing. (Part 2)
Listen to ‘Ugly Sexist AI’ Podcast
Yes, artificial intelligence has incredible potential. But it’s also reproducing all the gender bias and inequality that currently exists in the world. (Part 1)