I'm not much of a movie buff. In fact, I usually forget the storyline, plot, and even the actors' names before the credits finish rolling. But this past weekend, I watched two films that left a lasting impression, ones I hope I won’t forget anytime soon: Hidden Figures and Young Woman and the Sea.
Both movies tell the stories of remarkable women who, against all odds, made groundbreaking contributions to their respective fields - and, in more ways than one changed the narrative of science and sports as we knew back then.
These movies struck a chord with me, not just for their storytelling, but for how they highlight the strength of perseverance and the courage to challenge the norms of their time. I also probably gravitated towards these movies because of my (amateur) interest in all things to do with space and astrophysics and as an active sportsperson.
Hidden Figures is the story of three African American women — Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson — who worked as mathematicians at NASA during the early years of the space race. Despite the pervasive racial and gender discrimination of the 1960s, these women played crucial roles in one of the remarkable achievements of humankind: sending a man to the moon. Katherine Johnson's extraordinary mathematical skills were instrumental in calculating the trajectory for John Glenn's historic flight. Dorothy Vaughan's expertise in programming led to her becoming the first African American supervisor at NASA, while Mary Jackson became the agency's first African American female engineer. Their contributions went unnoticed for far too long, but Hidden Figures has brought their stories to the forefront, celebrating their invaluable impact on science and technology.
Watching Hidden Figures reminded me of all the untold stories of women whose contributions have been overlooked or forgotten. It feels especially relevant now, with gender diversity and bias still being such a big issue. The movie highlights why representation matters, especially in fields like science and technology, where biases have been around for so long. It got me thinking about the courage it takes to break through systemic barriers and stay true to your passion, no matter the challenges. The determination and resilience of these women serve as a strong reminder to keep pushing for equality and inclusivity, so future generations won't have to fight the same battles.
Young Woman and the Sea is about the incredible true story of Trudy Ederle (Gertrude Caroline Ederle), a young American swimmer who, in 1926, became the first woman to swim across the English Channel. In an era when women were rarely encouraged to compete in sports, Trudy's achievement broke through barriers and changed perceptions of what women could do. Her story isn’t just about being an athlete; it’s about having the grit to defy the norms of her time. Trudy's feat inspired many women to get involved in sports and chase their dreams, no matter the limits set by society.
The film's portrayal of Trudy Ederle's journey resonated with me deeply. It has got me thinking about the many ways in which sports can be a powerful vehicle for social change. Trudy's victory was more than a personal triumph; it was a victory for all women, proving that the physical and mental fortitude required to achieve great things knows no gender. Her story is a testament to the fact that greatness can come from the most unexpected places, and that the human spirit, when challenged, can overcome almost anything.
Both Hidden Figures and Young Woman and the Sea highlight the incredible impact that determination, courage, and resilience can have on society. These films reminded me that history is often shaped by those who dare to challenge the status quo and pursue their passions, no matter how insurmountable the odds. The stories of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Trudy Ederle have inspired me in more ways that one and are powerful reminders of how one person’s resolve can pave the way for future generations.
In a world that still struggles with gender inequality, these stories stand as a signpost to signify the importance of perseverance, courage, and the power of believing in oneself. They encourage us to question the barriers we face and inspire us to strive for a future where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, regardless of their gender.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on the narratives presented in the respective movies and may not be entirely representative of the actual historical facts.