In the media realm, women’s portrayal has long been a subject of scrutiny and debate. From film and television to advertising and social media, the images and narratives surrounding women have immense power in shaping societal norms and perceptions. As we navigate the complexities of gender equality, it’s important to examine how these representations influence our understanding of women’s roles and identities.
In honour of International Women’s Day on March 8 and celebrating women’s successes, let’s examine women’s representation in the media. Film and television have a long history of confining women to limited archetypes, such as the damsel in distress, the femme fatale, and the nurturing mother. Rather than focusing on these negative portrayals, let’s acknowledge positive examples where women were influential figures in the media.
Breaking the mold
From film and television to advertising and social media, strides have been made towards more authentic and diverse representations that celebrate the importance of women’s experiences. For instance, Wonder Woman” was a film created in 2017 that portrays a superhero who takes on leadership roles, representing a strong and independent woman who is compassionate for others. It continued to win awards such as Movie of the Year by MTV Movie + TV Awards and Favourite Movie Actress by Kids’ Choice Awards.
Real-life heroines
We have all heard of the drama surrounding the British Monarchy. The show The Crown has done a phenomenal job of showing the challenges and triumphs these women in positions of power went through. In particular, Emma Corrin, who stars as Princess Diana in the show. Diana shows strength and resilience throughout the show and compassion for others. Corrin does a beautiful job stepping into the role of Princess Diana (And let me tell you, a few tears were shed).
Amplifying voices
Social media has emerged as a powerful tool for amplifying marginalized voices and challenging mainstream narratives. Michelle Obama has taken advantage of the media by advocating for her campaign “Let’s Move!” In this campaign, she has raised awareness about childhood obesity and actively promotes healthier lifestyles for the next generation.
Diverse representation
If you haven’t seen Crazy Rich Asians, what are you doing? This movie is a great example of a strong, independent woman who navigates cultural differences and family expectations. It has received countless praise for its diverse cast and the representation of Asian women characters in lead roles. It is, therefore, no surprise that the movie received 91 per cent Rotten Tomatoes.
Young activists
Everyone is aware of the climate change crisis happening, and I’m sure you have seen some Greta Thunberg memes on Instagram. However, she has done some compelling and inspirational work advocating for a better world. She is known globally for her determination to raise awareness about climate change and hold our world leaders accountable for their actions. She was only 15 when she began protesting and inspiring millions of people, especially young women, about these urgent topics.
Unwavering advocacy
As much as I’d love to go on and write about every woman who has created lasting positive change in our society today, the last woman I want to hype up is Malala Yousafzai. She has made immense changes for young girls across the globe through her advocacy for education and human rights, especially in her native country, Pakistan. Tragically, she was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman while on the way home from school, but she survived and continued her activism. She wrote an autobiography called I Am Malala, which immediately became an international bestseller and led her to become the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate.
Empowering the future
Perhaps most importantly, the positive representation of women has the power to inspire future generations and redefine societal norms. When young girls see themselves reflected in diverse role models on screen and online, they are empowered to dream big and pursue their passions without limitations. By showcasing women succeeding in traditionally male-dominated fields, media can challenge stereotypes and expand the realm of possibility for future generations. Together, let us continue the journey toward a world where every woman’s story is heard, valued and celebrated.
Written by: Britt Geurts, Symmetry Editor, Writer and Social Media Content Creator
