Watch The Story of Women and Power

The Story of Women and Power is a six-part documentary series produced by BBC that first aired in November 2018. The show is hosted by historian and author Dr. Amanda Foreman and explores the history of women's power and influence over the past 10,000 years, from ancient societies to modern times.

The series covers a wide range of topics, including the role of women in early civilizations, the influence of queens throughout history, the women's suffrage movement, and the ongoing fight for gender equality in politics and the workplace. Each episode focuses on a different aspect of women's power and features interviews with experts and scholars in the field.

In the first episode, Dr. Foreman delves into the role of women in ancient societies, highlighting examples of powerful female leaders such as Hatshepsut of Ancient Egypt and Wu Zetian of China's Tang dynasty. She also looks at the shifting attitudes towards women in ancient Greece and Rome, where women's social status was often closely tied to their relationship to men.

Subsequent episodes explore the influence of queens in European history, from Elizabeth I of England to Catherine the Great of Russia, and dig into the complex social and political conditions that allowed these women to rise to power in a traditionally male-dominated world.

The series also examines the history of the women's suffrage movement, highlighting key figures such as suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst and the many grassroots campaigns that helped to bring about women's right to vote.

Throughout the series, Dr. Foreman contextualizes the history of women's power and influence within larger social, economic, and political movements, demonstrating how changes in technology, warfare, and culture have shaped and been shaped by women's evolving roles in society.

The final episode of the series brings this history up to the present day, examining the ongoing challenges facing women in politics, the workplace, and in their personal lives. Dr. Foreman interviews modern women leaders such as former UK Prime Minister Theresa May and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, as well as activists and advocates working to promote gender equality around the world.

Overall, The Story of Women and Power is a fascinating and engaging exploration of the history of women's power and influence throughout history. Through interviews with experts and scholars, the series provides a detailed and nuanced look at the ways in which women's roles and social status have evolved over time, and the challenges that they continue to face in their ongoing struggle for equality.

The Story of Women and Power is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between February 25, 2015 and on BBC Two