When I think about the movies, TV shows, and advertisements I grew up with, one thing stands out: the women I saw on screen didn’t always look or feel real. They were either damsels in distress, glamorous sidekicks, or the “token woman” in a male-driven plot. But the world is changing—and so is media. Today, we have the power to reshape the narrative and show women as they truly are: strong, smart, and seen.
Representation Matters for Women in Media
Have you ever noticed how the stories we consume shape the way we see ourselves and others? Media isn’t just entertainment—it’s a mirror reflecting society’s values. When women are portrayed as one-dimensional or confined to stereotypes, it limits how we perceive their roles in the real world.
Research backs this up: According to the Green Davis Institute on Gender in Media, women and girls are nearly twice as likely as men to be shown in sexually revealing clothing or partially nude in films. Such portrayals perpetuate harmful stereotypes and limit the aspirations of young girls.
But here’s the good news: change is happening. Shows like Bridgerton celebrate diverse female leads, and movies like Hidden Figures bring unsung heroines to light. These stories matter because they inspire us to dream bigger and demand more from the media we consume.
The Power of Female Storytellers
Behind every empowering story is a creator who dared to challenge the norm. Women like Ava DuVernay, Shonda Rhimes, and Greta Gerwig are leading the charge, proving that when women tell their own stories, the results are transformative.
Despite this progress, women remain vastly underrepresented in key creative roles. As of 2023, women accounted for only 24% of directors, writers, and producers in Hollywood as stated by Forbes.
This imbalance doesn’t just affect the industry—it affects all of us. When fewer women are behind the scenes, fewer authentic, multidimensional female characters make it to the screen. Real issues like domestic violence, reproductive rights, and pay inequity need more coverage, and media is a powerful platform to amplify women’s voices. Women should be represented fairly as strong, smart, and seen. Supporting female storytellers is critical to ensuring women’s experiences are validated, their voices heard, and their potential fully realized.
Media’s Role in Self-Image
The media we consume also profoundly impacts self-esteem, especially for young girls. Consider this: 80% of teen girls compare themselves to images they see of celebrities, almost half say it makes them feel dissatisfied with their own appearance as stated by AOL ‘Ideal to Real’ body image survey. When those images are airbrushed, overly sexualized, or unrealistic, they send a harmful message about what it means to be “beautiful” or “worthy.”
That’s why initiatives promoting body positivity and diverse beauty standards, like Dove’s Real Beauty campaign, are so important. But we can’t stop there. It’s up to all of us to demand more inclusive, empowering portrayals of women in media—portrayals that show women as leaders, innovators, and trailblazers.
Take Action: Let’s Rewrite the Script Together
So, how can we create a media landscape where women are truly strong, smart, and seen? It starts with supporting programs that empower women to break into media and leadership roles. Initiatives like the Live Your Dream Awards provide financial support to women pursuing their education and careers, often while overcoming significant personal challenges.
If you’re a young girl dreaming of becoming a business owner, social worker, or leader in the entertainment industry, the Dream It, Be It program can provide the career advice and support you need to excel in your chosen field.
You can also help by:
- Supporting female-led projects in film, TV, and advertising.
- Calling out harmful stereotypes and celebrating diverse, empowering portrayals of women.
- Volunteering or donating to help educate girls and women—allowing them to thrive in their career of choice. Whether that be in media or otherwise!
Every time we choose to uplift women, we’re taking a step toward a world where all women can thrive—on and off the screen. Let’s work together to ensure the next generation grows up seeing women as they truly are: strong, smart, and seen.
Jade Edwards-Lowe is a journalist with a deep interest in storytelling that drives change. They are passionate about covering social issues and using the power of narrative to make a meaningful impact.