The 1970s marked significant advances for female equality in America. Although the equal rights amendment failed to ratify, federal law now outlawed discrimination in the workplace based on gender. Women were forging their place in the world as Barbara Jordan became the first woman to give the keynote address at a presidential convention and Barbara Walters became the first woman news anchor. These advances were reflected in film during the late 1970s in the form of strong, women characters (most became so after losing a man). Here’s a look at seven of those films.