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…
