The Long Road to True Representation: Rethinking Gender in Media Narratives

As I purposefully craft this article beyond the bounds of International Women's Day, I reflect on the profound discussions and insights gained from my time spent at Media Trust’s Women’s Voices event during this year's celebration.

The event united talented professionals from across the industry and paired them with remarkable charities dedicated to supporting women, collaborating on specific challenges they have with their media, marketing, or branding.

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At the event, we were privileged to hear from inspiring speakers like Su-Mei Thompson, CEO of Media Trust, Imme Rog, CMO of Postcode Lottery, and Liz Ward , public speaker and passionate campaigner for social justice.

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It was during Liz's talk that I stumbled upon a startling revelation: Gen Z boys hold more negative views on feminism than Boomer men. Let that sink in. Our younger counterparts are, in some cases, more resistant to gender equality than our fathers, or even grandfathers.

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As a British Asian woman and a millennial, three of the many intersections that define my identity as a human, I've witnessed the strides made in mainstream representation, from the Barbie movie to the Netflix phenomena of One Day and Bridgerton. It's promising to see diverse narratives taking centre stage. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that while progress is being made, there's a risk of inadvertently swinging the pendulum too far.

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Young boys today are growing up in a world where they predominantly see powerful female protagonists and superheroes, while male characters are playing secondary roles or are portrayed as less significant, see: I’m just Ken. Understandably, this can cultivate feelings of imbalance and resentment. We must ask ourselves: Is this truly the path to gender equality?

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Tipping the scales in favour of women, after centuries of male dominance, doesn't necessarily equate to levelling the playing field. In fact, it might sow the seeds for a backlash among future generations. We need a more nuanced approach—one that showcases gender equality in its truest form.

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Real representation means depicting women alongside men, both equally strong and capable. It means breaking stereotypes by showing women excelling in traditionally "masculine" roles and vice versa. It's not about swinging from one extreme to the other, but about finding a balance that reflects the diverse realities of our society.

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Don't get me wrong, I still think there's a place for empowerment films—after all, who doesn't love leaving the cinema feeling like they're Wonder Woman? But, to avoid this pendulum swing of control and ensure sustainable progress, we need to explore more subtle approaches. It's about crafting narratives that empower without polarizing, that inspire without alienating. By presenting characters and stories that resonate with the complexities of human experience, we can encourage empathy, understanding, and ultimately, a more inclusive society. In this way, media becomes a powerful tool not just for entertainment, but for social change.

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So, to all filmmakers and storytellers out there, I propose a shift away from the tired men vs. women narrative. Instead, let's make collaborative storytelling, where all genders contribute equally, the new standard. Let's embrace diversity by portraying a multitude of characters, where not all women are Wonder Woman, and not all men are just Ken. Crucially, let's make a focused effort to consistently support content creators from different backgrounds, ensuring that we’re not just giving them a platform, but access to all platforms. To women, people of colour, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and storytellers from diverse backgrounds, to guarantee all our narratives reflect the richness of our society, all the time.

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Yes, it's a long road ahead, but by portraying true equality as the norm, we can shape the perceptions of future generations. Let's create a media landscape where every individual, regardless of gender, feels seen, heard, and empowered. After all, the stories we tell today will influence the world they inherit tomorrow.