Makers

Makers: Women Who Make America is an innovative three-part documentary series that aired on PBS in 2013. Produced by AOL and PBS, the show captivatingly charts the most dramatic social and political sea change in American history: the women’s movement of the last 50 years. Through a compelling blend of archival footage and interviews, Makers takes viewers on an extraordinary journey, showcasing the remarkable progress women have made, the challenges they still face, and the unstoppable momentum propelling them forward.

The unique structure of Makers' series is organized thematically across three powerful episodes. Each speaks to a specific candle in the larger chandelier of the women’s movement. The first installment, “Awakening,” dives into the birth of the women's movement in the late 1960s and the early 1970s. It looks at the societal context, the driving forces, the iconic moments and the key players who pushed for a world where women's voices could no longer be silenced. Emblematic figures like Gloria Steinem, members of the National Women’s Political Caucus, Phyllis Schlafly, the organizers of the first Women’s Strike for Equality in 1970, and many more are highlighted as the catalysts of a monumental shift in society.

The second episode, “Changing the World,” delves into the challenges women faced during the 1970s and 1980s. This segment explores the impact and backlash of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), the Roe v Wade ruling, and issues of workplace injustice. Drawing on a rich tapestry of personal stories and experiences, it demonstrates the courage, tenacity, and resilience of women who refused to settle for second-class status and were determined to break free from the conventional chains of society.

The final episode, “Charting a New Course,” takes an insightful look into how women shaped America's political landscape from the 1990s to the present day. It lays out the trials and triumphs of women in politics, the issues of gender inequality they still challenge, and the resistance they face in their quest for social, political, and economic empowerment.

Makers is much more than just a time capsule of historical events. It effectively humanizes its subject matter by spotlighting individual stories. This is done through intimate interviews - both old and new - with trailblazers who came from diverse backgrounds and achieved unprecedented heights. These include women’s movement leaders, groundbreaking female sports and business icons, news correspondents, astronauts, military veterans, and more, giving viewers an intimate and all-encompassing look at the myriad ways women have shaped, and continue to shape, America.

Makers captures how these influential women challenged societal norms, strove for gender equality, and created enduring legacies that continue to resonate today. For example, it covers pioneers like Hillary Rodham Clinton, America’s first female presidential nominee of a major party; Oprah Winfrey, who broke through barriers in the television industry; and Sheryl Sandberg, who has championed gender balance in the corporate world through her "Lean In" movement, among others.

Makers is an important and often hard-fought narrative about the evolution of women’s roles and rights in America. It's a well-executed educational and thought-provoking series that offers insight into the pivotal role women have played in shaping America’s history.

From grassroots activism to the corridors of power, the series encapsulates the tenacity, bravery, and ingenuity of women. Makers paints a stirring picture of female empowerment and continues to inspire present and future generations to challenge and change the narrative.

In conclusion, Makers: Women Who Make America is essential viewing for anyone interested in understanding the progression and complexities of gender dynamics in modern America. It’s a poignant, inspiring, and informative exploration of the centuries-old struggle for gender equality, as seen through the eyes of the extraordinary women who have been at its forefront. The PBS documentary series serves as a powerful testament to the resilience, courage, and determination that underpins the never-ending journey towards creating a more democratic, just, and equitable society.