Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History
“Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History” is an ambitious documentary series currently in development, celebrating the bold and transformative journeys of women who have defied conventions to lead on the global stage. Promoted by Contxt Collective Film Society, this series dives deep into the stories of female leaders who are shaping our world and breaking barriers in politics, governance, and social movements.
For over 80 years, the United Nations has never had a female Secretary-General, despite the crucial role women have played in global governance. As the world anticipates a potential shift in leadership at the United Nations, with a woman from Latin America and the Caribbean poised to become the next Secretary-General, this series emphasizes the significance of this historic moment.
Expanding beyond the UN, the series explores the stories of influential women leaders globally, including Kamala Harris, potentially the first female President of the United States. Through interviews, archival footage, and expert commentary, “Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History” showcases the resilience, vision, and impact of these extraordinary women. Their narratives are interwoven with iconic quotes from women throughout history, emphasizing the enduring power of female leadership and the necessity of challenging the status quo. This series not only celebrates their achievements but also aims to inspire future generations to continue breaking barriers and making history.
Task
Funding: Seeking and securing financial backing from producers, investors, or grant bodies.
Michelle Bachelet: Former President of Chile and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Her journey from a dictatorship survivor to a global human rights advocate epitomizes resilience and a commitment to public service and human rights.
Mia Mottley: Prime Minister of Barbados, known for her pioneering climate activism and international financial reform efforts. Mottley’s leadership in advocating for small island states underscores her commitment to justice and equity.
María Fernanda Espinosa: Former President of the UN General Assembly and Ecuador’s Foreign Minister. Espinosa’s diplomatic career highlights her dedication to sustainable development and multilateral cooperation.
Rebeca Grynspan: Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and Secretary-General of the Ibero-American General Secretariat. Grynspan has been a prominent figure advocating for economic development, trade, and gender equality, especially in Latin America.
Winnie Byanyima: Executive Director of UNAIDS, Byanyima is a Ugandan engineer, politician, and human rights advocate. She has held prominent roles such as Executive Director of Oxfam International and Director of Gender and Development at both the African Union Commission and UNDP. Her advocacy for gender equality, human rights, and sustainable development has been influential across the globe. Her personal philosophy is shaped by one of her given names, Kyegiragire, meaning “I can make myself whatever I want to be.”
Amina J. Mohammed: Current UN Deputy Secretary-General and former Federal Minister of the Environment of Nigeria, celebrated for steering the development of the UN Agenda 2030 and its implementation.
Musonda Mumba: Secretary-General of the Convention on Wetlands, an influential leader in environmental conservation and a champion of gender equality from Zambia.
Kamala Harris: The first female Vice President of the United States and the Democratic nominee for President, potentially becoming the first female President. Harris’s candidacy highlights her breaking barriers in American politics and advocating for social equity and justice.
Jacinda Ardern: Former Prime Minister of New Zealand, acclaimed for her compassionate and effective leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sanna Marin: Prime Minister of Finland, representing a progressive wave of young leaders in Europe with her innovative policies and inclusive governance.
Claudia Sheinbaum: The upcoming first female president of Mexico, symbolizing a new era in Mexican politics with her focus on social justice and environmental sustainability.
Francia Márquez: Vice President of Colombia, offering a fresh perspective in her country’s leadership with her grassroots activism and commitment to environmental justice.
Dilma Rousseff: Former President of Brazil, whose presidency marked a significant period of social and economic reforms.
Louise Arbour: Former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and former Supreme Court Justice of Canada, highlighting her dedication to human rights, international justice, and the rule of law.
Angela Merkel: Former Chancellor of Germany, known for her steady leadership through multiple global crises.
Naledi Pandor: Former South Africa Foreign Affairs Minister, known for her leadership in filing a historical case against Israel at the International Court of Justice for genocide in the Gaza Strip.