“I do not see myself as a footnote to someone else’s life…”

-Martha Gellhorn.

Part of our Women's History Month Series: Celebrating Pioneering Women at Work    

Today, in celebration of International Women's Day, SkyWater Search Partners is spotlighting Martha Gellhorn, a wildly talented trailblazer whose courage and tenacity paved the way for future generations of women in journalism. More than just a witness to history, Gellhorn was a fierce and fearless participant whose words and photographs captured the raw essence of human conflict and compassion.

A Boundary Breaker in a Male-dominated Field

When Martha Gellhorn entered World War II, war correspondence was considered a job for men only. Yet she never let that stop her. Her career was meaningful to her and she was determined to use her talents for a greater good. She went on to cover every major conflict over six decades, repeatedly putting herself in harm's way in pursuit of a noble goal: to capture and share the stories of those affected by war.

Gellhorn's dedication to truth, regardless of the risks to herself, and her relentless pursuit of the human side of war stories set her apart from her colleagues. Unlike many of her male contemporaries, she was simply not content with reporting from the sidelines. Instead, she earned a much-admired reputation for her hands-on approach, often sneaking into war zones to get the closest possible look at the action.

An Early Pioneer of Literary Non-Fiction

Courage under fire and her powerful photographic artistry weren't her only gifts. Gellhhorn was also a talented, eloquent writer, putting the realities of war into words and descriptions that found their way into the homes of households far removed from the front lines. Her vivid descriptions and poignant narratives opened the eyes of a broader public, bringing a new depth to war reporting and challenging her readers to look beyond the headlines to consider the human cost of conflict.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Gellhorn's attitude toward life and her unwavering commitment to justice and equality still resonates as an inspiration. She lived life on her terms, constantly pushing boundaries and breaking stereotypes. Gellhorn demonstrated that courage and determination are key to dismantling barriers, an enduring message that inspires women worldwide.

On International Women's Day, we celebrate Martha Gellhorn not only for her contributions to journalism and her role in documenting history but for reminding us that we all possess greater - and more varied - abilities than the world around us might sometimes assume. While most of us will never run onto a literal battlefield, she inspires us to remember that we can enter whichever field we choose. She reminds us of what we can do when we believe we have the ability, the right, and the courage to pursue it.

And finally, a tiny biographical footnote to Gellhorn’s life.

The quote at the top of this article is from a comment she made after marrying world famous writer, Ernest Hemingway. It was an experience that seems to have awakened her to the reality of her female contemporaries, whose identities were often sublimated and defined by their husband’s name, occupation, and reputation - and a reality she refused to accept as her own.