To be a girl of impact is to be empowered by what she watches, reads and listens. If she is to be what she can see, it’s important to consume content that promotes gender equality and fairly represents women — not as a damsel in distress or a villain — but a shero who knows her strengths and isn’t afraid to embrace them. She is simply ready to take on her biggest dreams.
So, to inspire every shero in the making, we’ve curated a list of the best movies, books and podcasts for every girl of impact. Have you watched, read or listened to any of these? Check out the list today. 👇🏼
Best movies
Hidden Figures
A talented group of African-American female mathematicians were discovered by NASA who served as the brains behind one of the largest operations in U.S. history. The true story of these three women details their rise through NASA among many of history’s greatest minds to complete one of the greatest operations in history; the launch of astronaut John Glenn.
Professional, gender and race expectations were shattered when Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Katherine Johnson used their drive, ambition and knowledge to become American (s)heroes by completing a task that will be cemented in U.S. history forever.
Hidden Figures is a must-watch because it tells an important story of civil rights and feminism. And they were much more than characters in a movie — these women were real! It’s important to see role models in STEM, especially women of colour. The women all worked together in the “coloured only” section and were each subject to blatant acts of sexism and racism at work. However, despite this, they worked together and pushed through to meet their goals, both personal and professional.
Recommended for ages 9 and up
Moana
Moana (Auli’i Cravalho), the daughter of the chieftain of Motonui, has dreams of adventuring past the island reef to explore the sea beyond. She sets sail on a mission to save her people when Motonui’s natural resources dissipate, and she succumbs to the ocean’s call. Moana defies her father’s warnings and sets out on a journey to find the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) who stole island goddess Te Fiti’s heart. After meeting Maui and convincing him to join her, Moana must face the lava demon Te Kā and retrieve Te Fiti’s heart to save her island home.
Moana is a must-watch because she is the hero every kid needs, not just girls. She shows that women can succeed in life without relying on romance for guidance. Moana defies the idea that girls are weak and helpless and proves girls can pave their own paths and be the source of their own happiness. Moana is brave and strong. She empowers women to challenge the status quo to create a better world.
Recommended for ages 9 and up
The Hunger Games
Heroine Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) appears on the big screen in the adaptation of Suzanne Collins’s young adult bestseller. Every year, 24 underprivileged youth are challenged to fight to the death in a televised event to entertain the rich and give hope to the poor. Representing District 12, 16-year-old Katniss and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) are forced to rely on their hunting skills respectively to develop a partnership. Supported by Effie (Elizabeth Banks) and Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) Katniss and Peeta navigate the challenges of the Hunger Games where only one winner can prevail.
Hunger Games is a must-watch because it’s vital for girls to see female protagonists, not just for entertainment aimed at girls, but in the massive blockbusters historically aimed at teenage boys. Thanks to Jennifer Lawrence’s turn as Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games series was a top 10 box office earner four years in a row!
Recommended for ages 6 and up.
Wonder Woman
When a pilot crashes and tells Diana of the conflict in the outside world, the Amazonian warrior in training decides to leave her island paradise of Themscira to fight in a war. Diana is convinced that the Amazons’ ancient enemy, Ares, is to blame for the war. Fighting in the “war to end all wars” Diana is forced to reveal her true powers and discovers her destiny.
Wonder Woman is a must-watch because the movie depicts an alpha girl who retains her sensitivity, femininity, and nurturing instincts. She is ambitious and can fight when necessary — but she is not afraid to be vulnerable and to show love.
A joint study from BBC America and the Women’s Media Centre actually found that girls feel more confident and empowered after seeing Wonder Woman. In a world where she can’t be what she can’t see, Wonder Woman definitely needs to be on the list.
Recommended for ages 13 and up.
The Post
Steven Spielberg directs the story of Katharine Graham (Meryl Streep) who was the first female publisher of a major American newspaper, The Washington Post. Editor Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks) helps Graham as she races to catch up to The New York Times to expose a story that spans over thirty years and four U.S. presidents. By overcoming their differences and risking their careers, they aim to help long-buried truths come to light.
The Post is a great movie to talk to your family about censorship and the importance of freedom of the press — especially for kids interested in the media. Meryl Streep plays a strong female protagonist role which is inspiring to see.
The movie is a fascinating slice of history on the Vietnam war. There are great messages about the courage to stand up for what you believe in, assuming responsibility and risking one’s freedom to end the war.
Recommended for ages 13 and up.
The Rosa Parks Story
The movie is based on American activist Rosa Parks. She had a pivotal role in the civil rights movement that changed the history of America, and her legacy lives on proudly today.
Rosa was a secretary for the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People, and fiercely defends local children who have been victimised by racism. But perhaps what we’ll never forget is that pivotal moment when she refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus for a white passenger. It was truly a powerful scene!
Her bold action led to the Montgomery bus boycott, in which the black community refused to use buses. Many carpooled, walked or used black-operated cabs, which charged the same price as buses.
The Rosa Parks Story is a must-watch because it’s a true piece of history. She showed extreme bravery and courage that changed segregation forever. Rosa says, “Each person must live their life as a model for others.” — and indeed Rosa is someone who will be forever honoured.
Recommended for ages 15 and up.
Best books
How to Win Friends and Influence People for Teen Girls
How to Win Friends and Influence People for Teen Girls brings the original classic to today’s teen girls. Covering peer pressure, gossip and how to deal with it positively, Donna Dale Carnegie explores the nuances of teenage life.
Recommended for ages 12 to 15.
Teen Trailblazers
The 30 girls who feature in Teen Trailblazers all achieved magnificent things before the age of 20, proving to your teen that sisters really are doing it for themselves.
Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Women in Science
Encouraging young women to excel in their chosen field is key to success. This collection of stories explores STEM fields from 50 of the most notable women in history.
Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Throw Like a Girl: How to Dream Big & Believe in Yourself
Throw Like a Girl is an encouraging gift for teenage women who aim to grow into strong, confident women and highlights the importance of sport throughout early life.
Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Express Yourself
Giving girls the confidence and power to have their voices heard creates a positive foundation to take on any kind of situation.
Recommended for ages 13 and up.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens
This pocket-size version of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens is a perfect daily reminder of how to get the most out of life.
Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Best podcasts
Fierce Girls
An ABC podcast that showcases stories of trailblazing Australian women like Turia Pitt, Julia Gillard, Helen Reddy, Molly Kelly and much more. Fierce Girls is into its fourth series and shows no sign of running out of awesome Aussie woman to inspire today’s teens.
Ages suitable for 13+
Location: Australia
Teenager Therapy
The podcast explores five stressed, sleep-deprived teens who talk about the struggles that come with being a teenager. Is high school really that bad? Apparently so! They talk about mental health, sexuality, to fave binge-worthy T.V. shows.
Age suitable for 14+
Location: USA
Teen Girl Talk
The name probably doesn’t win awards for the most creative — but don’t let that fool you. Sibling hosts Franklin, and Susie Cota is extremely amusing as they recall their own teenage awkward moments and share the latest in movies, books, T.V., memes and more for teens.
Age suitable for 14+
Location: USA
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