Women’s History Month highlights the contributions of women to both history and society – this year’s theme is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion”.

Recognising that bias and discrimination against women must be eliminated to create an equal society, March encourages the study, observance and celebration of women, past and present.

To mark the occasion, we’ve delved into the comprehensive magazine archives on the Exact Editions platform and highlighted thought-provoking articles exploring women’s history.

A Revolution In Women’s Lives”

BBC History Magazine, May 2022 issue.

Writing for BBC History Magazine, Elinor Evans explores the role of women in America’s struggle for independence, where many served as medics, cooks, campaigners and even as fighter in the case of Margaret Corbin.

Read the article, pages 48 to 49, here.

“Researching Suffragette Kin”

Who Do You Think You Are Magazine, July 2013 issue.

Who Do You Think You Are Magazine explores methods of tracing a direct connection to women’s history, as Jonathan Scott compiles several online resources that can allow us to trace both the history of the campaign and the potential ancestors who joined the cause.

Read the article, pages 55 to 57, here.

“There were more women street photographers than history admits“

Aesthetica, February/March 2022 issue.

Gulnara Samoilova is a photographer dedicated to spotlighting and celebrating women photographers both past and present, through social media movements, exhibitions, and publications. Diane Smyth spoke to her in the February/March 2022 issue of Aesthetica.

Read the article, pages 68 to 73, here.

“Disrespecting the law that disrespects women“

Cineaste, Fall 2022 issue.

Maria Garcia of Cineaste interviews co-directors of The Janes, Tia Lessin and Emma Pildes. The documentary focuses on the all-female group that provided safe abortions in Chicago when they were illegal.

Read the article, pages 10 to 13, here.

Learn More

Looking to learn more about women’s history? Our free Feminism and Gender Equality Resource Page contains hundreds of fascinating articles.

Digital subscriptions to BBC History Magazine, Who Do You Think You Are Magazine, Aesthetica, and Cineaste are all available in the Exact Editions shop.

You can also click here to request a free institutional trial our wide range of digital magazines.

*All reading room links are valid until 1st June 2024*