The rising power of female voices throughout history are celebrated in the first-ever issue of National Geographic produced by an all-female team
The November issue of National Geographic Magazine marks a historic occasion - it is the first issue, in which all content (written and photographic) has been contributed by women. The single-topic issue powerfully looks at the rising power of female voices throughout history, celebrating the women around the world who fearlessly push boundaries.
In conjunction with the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, National Geographic exclusively reveals the 2019-2020 Women, Peace, and Security Index, which ranks 167 countries from best to worst places to be a woman. Using data and graphics to illustrate how women’s empowerment compares in different countries, the index measures women’s inclusion in society, their overall security and their exposure to discrimination based on factors such as employment, education, financial access, community safety, domestic violence and law-based descrimintation. Norway ranks first, the United Kingdom came in at #7 and Yemen ranks last.
This month, National Geographic also highlights individual women of impact, such as Theresa Kachindamoto, who is the first female chief of the Southern Ngoni people and has terminated over 2,500 child marriages, sending the girls back into education. Joyce Banda is the first female president of Malawi and established the National Association of Business Women, ensuring they are granted financial independence in Malawi.
Additional features published in the issue include an in-depth look at women-in-combat, the different precautions and measures women in India have taken to improve their safety and existence in society, and an essay that shares real-life stories of women in STEM and the human consequences of gender-based discrimination.
The November issue also marks the beginning of a year of coverage across print, digital and broadcast platforms exploring the lives of women and the massive changes underway for girls and women around the globe. Using #NatGeoWomenofImpact they encourage others to share how the women in their lives have empowered them.
This month further sees the launch of WOMEN: The National Geographic Image Collection, a powerful new book showcasing iconic women around the world, celebrating and reflecting on where the world’s women have been, where they are now and where they are going. The book features 450 powerful photographs from the unparalleled National Geographic archives, spanning three centuries and more than 30 countries. It is a compelling, timely and richly diverse volume honouring groundbreaking women everywhere who’ve made it possible to say, definitely, that the future is female. Yaaaas.
For this special collection, National Geographic has asked a diverse array of women to speak about the biggest challenges they have overcome, their breakthrough moments and the changes that need to happen for a more inclusive future. These include Emma Gonzales (Activist), Christine Amanpour (Chief International Correspondent, CNN), Oprah Winfrey (Media Mogul) and Alicia Garza (Co-Founder, Black Lives Matter) amongst others.
Whilst it's been a long time coming, this is a momentous move in publishing and we're seriously here for it.
Scroll down to see some of the incredibly inspiring images from the shoot...
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHICWomen in the Military; 8625; artillery; marines
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHICArt therapist Anik Bottichio heads the art studio at St. Paul for troubled and traumatised women to help them become visible
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHICPortrait of Civil Rights activist Tarana Burke
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHICRussian high school student Inna Larina peers through a viewing device she designed with teammate Nataliya Ivlieva. The wireless apparatus is equipped with sensors that map the distance to an obstacle, such as a sidewalk curb, allowing blind and visually impaired people to navigate unfamiliar terrain
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHICWoman draped in red chadri carries caged goldfinches in a traditional manner in Afghanistan, 1968.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHICPerforming swimmers apply lipstick in crystal clear Wakulla Springs, Florida, a popular spot for filming under-water scenes
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHICUsha Vishwakarma demonstrates self-defense techniques to students in Ramgarh, a rural part of Rajasthan state. Vishwakarma started the Red Brigade after she was attacked and the local police failed to act on her report. Now the group organises marches, awareness campaigns, and self-defense training
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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHICA mother of three at 23, Mpayon Loboitong'o herds her family's goats on her own; after her husband left to find work in Nairobi, she was told he'd been killed there. Her other full-time job: charting animal movements for Save the Elephants. For a monthly salary she and eight other women traverse the bush, unarmed, amid elephants, lions, and African buffalo. "I do this work so my kids don't go to bed hungry," she said.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHICSince 2003, Rwanda's Constitution has required women hold 30 per cent of elected positions. Today, with 49 women in parliament (33 are shown here), that figure is 61 percent -the highest in the world. Four of the seven supreme court seats are held by women
