Lights, Camera, Gender Gap: Women in Film and TV

Imagine a world where the stories we watch and read are as diverse and dynamic as the audiences consuming them. This is not an unrealistic dream but rather a possible reality if the entertainment and media industries fully embrace the power of women. From directors to producers, writers to executives, women's contributions are crucial in producing richer, more authentic narratives.

Gender equality in these industries remains a distant goal, but in recent years, we have seen a noteworthy shift in the portrayal of women, thanks to an increasing number of female writers, directors, producers, and media executives. Women-led and women-centric movies and shows like Greta Gerwig's "Barbie", “Little Women”, Jenji Kohan’s “Orange is the New Black”, and Shonda Rhimes' Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, and Inventing Anna, have not only achieved commercial successes, but they have also challenged and expanded the narratives around women. These projects highlight the positive impact of having more women in creative and decision-making roles by telling stories that resonate with diverse audiences and providing more realistic representations of women's experiences.

In India, as more and more women mark their place in the workplace, the country’s cinema is also changing to reflect this shift.?

“Every time we have a woman on-screen, we can empower her in a different way rather than just giving a speech on the importance of equality and empowerment. I think sometimes we have to show her as powerful. I think the influx of women at the workplace is also changing the narratives in our cinema,” Zoya Akhtar told IANS while speaking about how the image of women and woman-centric films is changing in Bollywood.

When it comes to the media sector, there are more women in every aspect of the industry than ever before. Be it a film producer, director, studio head, publicist, cinematographer, scriptwriter, or marketing; this has prompted a change in sensibility when it comes to narratives and portrayal of women.?

Despite these positive advances in the right direction, across the globe, women are underrepresented both on-screen and behind the scenes, as well as in executive positions and leadership roles within media organisations.?

Only 30 of the top 100 grossing films in 2023 featured women or girls in lead or co-lead roles, a record low according to a report by the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative. Behind the camera, women directed only 6% of the 1,700 top-grossing films between 2007 and 2023. This lack of representation affects both the careers of women in the industry and the diversity of stories being told, perpetuating a cycle of underrepresentation and misrepresentation.

Which brings us to the famous gender pay gap; as true and relevant in entertainment and media as in almost every other industry. According to Forbes, top actresses and female media executives earn significantly less than their male counterparts. The top 10 highest-paid actresses make less than 30 cents for every dollar earned by the top 10 highest-paid actors. Notable examples include Claire Foy's lower pay compared to Matt Smith in Netflix series "The Crown”.

Several initiatives are underway to improve gender equality in entertainment and media. Initiatives like the 4% Challenge and organisations such as Women in Film and the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media champion the cause, advocating for higher female representation and creating opportunities for women in the industry. Mentorship and support networks are especially important in fostering female talent, as they provide the guidance and opportunities needed to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

One of the most compelling arguments for increasing female representation in media is the financial success of female-led initiatives. Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" has become a cultural phenomenon, breaking box office records and proving that audiences are hungry for stories told from a female perspective. Shonda Rhimes' television empire has shown the commercial viability of female-driven narratives. Reese Witherspoon's production company, Hello Sunshine, has revolutionised the industry by focusing on stories about women, for women, and by women. Think ‘Big Little Lies’, ‘Daisy Jones and the Six’, and ‘The Morning Show’. In India, the success of "Laapataa Ladies" further demonstrates the global appeal and financial potential of women-led movies that champion women’s diverse lived realities.

The entertainment and media industries stand at a crossroads. While progress has been made, much more work remains to achieve true gender equality. Increasing women’s representation both on-screen, behind the scenes, and in executive roles benefits not only equality, but also the quality and diversity of storytelling and media narratives. By championing female voices and acknowledging the financial success of female-led initiatives, the industry can move towards a more inclusive society. Given that the media is a reflection of the world around us, with more women entering and thriving in all aspects of the industry, more women’s narratives will hopefully grab the limelight.