In recent years, there has been growing discourse around the representation of women in the media, with advocates pushing for diversity and equity across all forms of media. From television to film, advertising to news, the portrayal of women has seen significant shifts. However, as we celebrate the progress made, it’s essential to ask the question: how far have we really come?
Historically, women in the media have often been portrayed in roles that reinforce traditional gender norms. Female characters were predominantly cast as caretakers, homemakers, or secondary figures—sidelined to support the development of male protagonists. Moreover, s3xualisation and objectification were commonplace, reducing female characters to mere accessories whose value hinges on their appearance.
Today, the tide is changing. There has been a concerted effort to diversify how women are portrayed across the media landscape. Hollywood, for instance, has seen a rise in films and television series that centre on strong, multidimensional female characters.
Franchises like Wonder Woman and The Hunger Games have not only showcased women in leadership and action roles but also achieved massive commercial success, proving that audiences are hungry for diverse narratives.
Moreover, women are increasingly taking control behind the scenes as writers, producers, and directors. The success of filmmakers like Greta Gerwig (Little Women) and Ava DuVernay (When They See Us) signals a shift in the types of stories being told. Female creators are broadening the spectrum of representation, challenging stereotypes and offering fresh perspectives on women’s experiences.
The media has an immense responsibility to reflect the diversity of the world we live in. Representation should not be a trend or a box to tick, but a fundamental practice in creating content that resonates with real, lived experiences. This means moving beyond tokenism and ensuring that women’s stories are told with authenticity, nuance and depth.
Media executives, writers, and producers need to recognise that inclusive storytelling is not just a moral imperative—it’s good business. Audiences are more diverse than ever before, and they want to see that diversity reflected on screen. When media is representative, it not only validates the experiences of marginalised groups but also fosters empathy and understanding across different communities.
While we have come a long way in improving women’s representation in the media, there is still much work to be done. The strides made in showcasing strong, diverse female characters should be celebrated, but they should also serve as a reminder that progress is ongoing. As consumers, we hold the power to demand better, more inclusive representation from the media we engage with.
If the media continues to evolve, breaking away from outdated gender norms and embracing a fuller picture of womanhood, we will all benefit. After all, when women are empowered in the media, they are empowered in life.
Abdulakeem Oloruntomilola, [email protected]
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