Docuseek | Step by Step: Building a Feminist Movement

This inspiring film follows the lives of eight Midwestern women, six of whom became founders of National Organization for Women (NOW). Set against a backdrop of decades of war, prosperity and reform, their stories beautifully illustrate the continuity and diversity of 20th-century feminism, as the participants describe the labor, civil rights, and political movements of the '40s and '50s that led them to take independent action for women.

Using archival materials and primary-source narration, the film offers a first-rate, panoramic-yet-personal view of the women on feminism's front line.

"An excellent documentary. Has the same intelligent and quiet passion of The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter."
Gayle V. Fischer American Historical Review

"Impressively organized and moving....The film is immediately engaging."
Star Olderman Feminist Collections

"Step by Step provides a missing piece of American history as it is traditionally taught. We need this video to teach our teachers as well as our students."
Victoria Straughn Committee on Teaching, Organization of American Historians

"...a very important addition to women's historic record. It is thoroughly wonderful."
Mary Ruthsdotter National Women's History Project

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Main credits

Follet, Joyce (film producer)
Orner, Mimi (film producer)

Other credits

Editor, Chuck France; music, Barbara Chusid; videographers, Frank Boll [and 5 others].

MARC Record See Worldcat record

Keywords

National Organization for Women, Feminism, Women's movement, Gender, Activism, Labor Studies, American History; "Step by Step: Building a Feminist Movement"; Women Make Movies

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Step by Step: Building a Feminist Movement, 1941-1977

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