Why is there a lack of women in the creative industry, and what can we do about it?

Women are still struggling to really break into the creative industry at the same rate as men, particularly in technology and video games. To break through another glass ceiling, we should work on encouraging, supporting, and creating opportunities for this next generation of working women to take leadership roles in creative industries and build equity.

According to advocacy group Women in Animation, 60% of animation students in the US and Europe are women, but the drop off rate as they move into industry is staggering, with only 34% of professional roles held by women.

“I have often found myself as the only woman on the entire animation team [so I feel] I need to work extra hard to prove what I can do. Sometimes when I have meetings with clients who don’t know my work, I am often mistaken for a producer or project manager.”

— Yukai Du, Illustrator & Animation Director

What are the main reasons for this discrepancy?

After several readings and many conversations, I dare to list the following:

1. Lack of representation: Historically, the creative industry has been dominated by men, which can make it harder for women to break into the field and feel like they belong.
2. Gender bias and stereotypes: Women may face stereotypes or assumptions about their abilities or interests, which can lead to discrimination or exclusion from opportunities.
3. Pressure to conform: The creative industry can sometimes prioritize certain aesthetic or stylistic preferences, which can make it hard for women who don't fit those norms to feel valued or accepted.
4. Self-doubt and imposter syndrome: Women may sometimes struggle with feeling like they don't belong or aren't good enough, which can lead to a lack of confidence in pursuing creative opportunities.
5. Unequal access to resources: Women may face systemic barriers to accessing the resources and support they need to succeed in the creative industry, such as funding, mentorship, or networking opportunities.

“There’s this idea that it’s just the openly sexist and evil men that are the problem. But I think most discrimination happens unconsciously and is unintentional. We are all carrying a bias, me included. I think it all starts with us and we need to start this change by examining ourselves.”

— Anna Mantzaris, Animation Director

Creative directors are overwhelmingly male (96.4% in 2008) and a survey by the Young Creative Council in 2016 revealed the following about young female creatives:

• 88% feel they lack role models;
• 70% have never worked with a female creative director or executive creative director;
• 50% of women dream of opening their own businesses, but only 12% think it’s a realistic goal.

In a survey by the Design Census, we also found quite enlightening numbers such as the following:

• only 0.1% of agencies are founded by women;
• only 2% of venture capital investment goes to female founders;
• only 11% of design leaders are women;
• 78% of companies report a pay gap in favor of men;
• female designers take home just 73.1% of what their male counterparts are earning.

How can we change the culture of the creative industry to be more welcoming and inclusive for women?

“I believe an important step is to bring the voices and experiences of the underrepresented groups in to the type of content we create, the stories we tell, and the visuals we produce.”

— Julieta Zajaczkowski, Partner & Executive Producer at Final Frontier

This might be a complex and ongoing process that requires action at many levels. However, allow me to point out few ways to work towards to create a more equitable and supportive industry:

1. Promote diversity and representation: Actively seek out and amplify the voices of women and other underrepresented groups in the industry. This can include highlighting the work of women creatives, creating spaces for women to share their experiences and perspectives, and advocating for more diverse representation in hiring and casting decisions.
2. Address bias and discrimination: Address and challenge biases and stereotypes that may prevent women from accessing opportunities in the industry. This can include calling out and addressing instances of discrimination or harassment, providing training on unconscious bias, and implementing policies and procedures that prioritize equity and inclusion.
3. Create supportive networks: Build networks and communities that provide support, mentorship, and resources for women in the industry. This can include creating opportunities for women to connect with each other, providing mentorship programs, and offering training and development programs that help women build their skills and expertise.
4. Advocate for change: Work with industry organizations, leaders, and policymakers to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote equity and inclusion in the industry. This can include supporting legislation that protects against discrimination, working with industry groups to develop standards and guidelines for equitable practices, and advocating for increased funding and resources for women in the industry.

“We need to make ourselves known to other women starting out; write articles, sit on panels and go to events where we can show that it is possible for women to be in these positions of power. The more we show ourselves to a population of hungry, yet hesitant women, the more those women will be energized to start fighting for positions of power within this industry.”

— Emily Nhaissi, Co-Founder and CEO Craft & Root

Maybe instead of asking one woman for an answer, it would be better to ask the females that surround you what challenges they’ve faced in their careers. What challenges they’re still facing. No women to ask? Start by questioning that.

It's clear that women are still underrepresented and undervalued in the creative industry. But that doesn't mean we should give up or settle for less. By speaking up, advocating for ourselves and others, and supporting each other, we can create a more equitable and inclusive industry that truly reflects the diversity of our world.

It's up to all of us - women and men alike - to challenge the status quo and push for change. We need to continue to amplify the voices and talents of women in the creative industry, and recognize the incredible contributions they make to the world of art, design, animation, film, music, and more.

“We need to work together with the industry, and society in general, to build a new paradigm where companies determine to build multidisciplinary and diverse teams, in which women have equal opportunities to obtain senior positions.”

— Julieta Zajaczkowski, Partner & Executive Producer at Final Frontier

Let's celebrate the achievements of women in the industry, and lift each other up so that we can all reach our full potential. Together, we can create a brighter and more vibrant future for the creative industry - one that truly values and represents the incredible diversity of talent, experience, and perspective that women bring to the table. ???????? ??