Empowering Moments in the Media that Sparked Female Disruption

Why Women Must Share The Stories of Women

When depicted predominantly through the lens of a man, a woman’s image strays further and further from the truth. This complicated narrative created by the media industry not only distorts society’s view of women but our own innate ones as well. So, how do we move away from this false angle? Well, there’s a simple solution: let women tell the stories of women.

“I dread reading scripts that have no women involved in their creation because inevitably I get to that part where the girl turns to the guy, and she says, ‘What do we do now?!’ Do you know any woman in any crisis situation who has absolutely no idea what to do? I mean, don't they tell people in crisis, even children, ‘If you're in trouble, talk to a woman.’ It's ridiculous that a woman wouldn't know what to do.”  -Reese Witherspoon

Lauren Greenfield. Greta Gerwig. Olivia Wilde. BBDO Guerrero. Hello Sunshine. What do these have in common? They are all women as well as women-led media companies that work hard to safeguard the representation of women in media. Shifting from age-old stereotypes into a legacy that inspires women to unlock the power held within, one moment at a time.

The Female Disruptors Magazine spotlights inspiring women blazing trails in their field for equality, freedom, and acceptance; if you want to be a part of the movement, feel free to nominate yourself or a friend here!

Lauren Greenfield’s #LikeAGirl Campaign

Fill in the blank: You (_____) like a girl. We have all heard these words whether directed at us first-hand or overheard a few conversations over. Athleticism in women is often framed in a negative light, regardless of how many gold medals are earned and records are broken. And unfortunately, the phrase #LikeAGirl is framed in countless films and television as an insult. 

This 2016 Always campaign directed by award-winning filmmaker Lauren Greenfield sparks confidence in young girls during and after puberty.

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“I am proud to partner with Always to shed light on how this simple phrase can have a significant and long-lasting impact on girls and women. I am excited to be a part of the movement to redefine ‘like a girl’ into a positive affirmation.” -Lauren Greenfield

Greta Gerwig: Women and Love in Media

20th Century Women (2016). Lady Bird (2017). Little Women (2019). All films directed by Greta Gerwig put women at the forefront, sharing stories untethered to media’s conventional image of women. 

Greta isn’t afraid to translate women and relationships to the screen while also celebrating feminism, ambition, and the encompassing realities of womanhood. 

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“I'm always interested in relationships between women... I'm always interested in how women relate to each other, whether it's a family relationship or it's a friend relationship. That's such uncharted territory in cinema.” -Greta Gerwig

Olivia Wilde: Women in Hollywood

Pushing back on dependability and vulnerability among Hollywood actresses, Olivia Wilde shifts the paradigm for women. For many years, men sculpted the idea that women are replaceable or cease to exist in film and television after a certain age.

As a director, Olivia supports the mindset of changing the Hollywood narrative, always reminding her entire ensemble of crewmembers and cast that:

“You are all of equal value; you are all essential parts of telling the story.”

BBDO Guerrero: Exposing the Gender Bias Double-Standard

Philippine Agency BBDO Guerrero teamed up with Pantene to bring awareness to the harsh truths behind gender labeling. The advertisement depicts men and women entrepreneurs, and the distinguishing adjectives that they are marked with. 

For example, a man holding a press conference is seen as persuasive, while a woman is labeled as pushy. In another scene, a father working late nights is described as dedicated; a mother is selfish. 

Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine Media Company

With 18 Emmy nominations and a mission to change the narrative for women in media, Hello Sunshine tells stories about female authorship, agency, and disruption. Founded by Reece Witherspoon, some projects include:

• Wild (2014)
• Gone Girl (2014)
• Hot Pursuit (2015)
• Big Little Lies (2017–2019)
• Lucy in the Sky (2019)
• The Morning Show (2019–)
• Truth Be Told (2019–2020)

Keep a lookout for next month's lineup of Empowering Women who get the chance to share their stories via https://www.femaledisruptors.com/.

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