Watch The Ascent of Woman

The Ascent of Woman is a four-part documentary series that premiered on BBC Two in August 2015. The show explores the history of women's role in society throughout human history, spanning from ancient times to the present day. The series is presented by British historian and writer Dr. Amanda Foreman, who takes viewers on a journey around the world as she examines the ways in which women have been oppressed, exploited, and marginalized by patriarchal societies. At the same time, she highlights the various ways in which women have been able to overcome these systemic barriers and achieve great things throughout history.

The first episode of the series focuses on the origins of patriarchy, exploring how early societies were more egalitarian and women were often revered for their role as creators of life. However, as society became more complex, men began to take on more dominant roles and women were relegated to secondary status. Dr. Foreman points out that the roots of patriarchy are not biological, but rather cultural and political.

In the second episode, Dr. Foreman travels to different parts of the world to examine how women have been able to overcome patriarchal structures. She talks to women in Afghanistan who risk their lives to fight for their basic rights, as well as women in China who are trying to balance their desire for freedom with the need to maintain traditional family roles. The episode also examines the fight for women's suffrage in the United States and the United Kingdom.

The third episode of the series focuses on women's economic and educational advances throughout history. Dr. Foreman examines the ways in which women have been able to break down barriers in education, like the founding of women's colleges in the US, and how the advent of the industrial revolution changed the roles of women in the workforce. The episode also highlights the contributions of women in science and technology throughout various periods in history.

The final episode of the series examines the modern feminist movement and the ways in which women are still fighting for equality around the world. Dr. Foreman explores the impact of the #MeToo movement and other grassroots movements that have helped to raise awareness about sexual harassment, assault, and violence against women. She also discusses the work that still needs to be done to achieve equal pay and representation for women in politics and other arenas.

Throughout the series, Dr. Foreman draws on her extensive knowledge of history and her engaging storytelling style to educate viewers about the ways in which patriarchy has shaped our societies and the various ways in which women have been able to resist and overcome. The show is visually stunning, with beautiful cinematography and expertly curated archival materials. It is also emotionally impactful, shining a light on the many struggles and triumphs of women throughout history.

Overall, The Ascent of Woman is an important and highly informative series that sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of history. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in women's studies, history, or gender equality.

The Ascent of Woman is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between September 2, 2015 and on BBC Two