This archive report was first published on 11 October 2019.
October 11, 2019, marked a significant day for Jacinta, a 19-year-old economics student. It was the day she realized her childhood dream of becoming a journalist might be out of reach due to a stereotype that had been ingrained in her since childhood.
Her elder sister had once told her, 'Journalists don't look like you! You are not pretty enough; they will not take you in.' These words had a profound impact on Jacinta, making her question her own worth and beauty.
However, Jacinta's story is not unique. A recent Plan International report reveals that girls and young women are often portrayed in a negative light through the media, limiting their ambitions and undermining their power to lead change.
The report analyzed films and found that male characters dominate the storylines, while women leaders are often portrayed as intelligent but also sexualized and objectified. This reinforces existing stereotypes and sends a signal to girls and boys about what they can expect and what is expected from them.
It's time to break these stereotypes and empower girls through storytelling. By providing a balanced picture of women's diverse lives and contributions to society, we can unlock their potential and leadership.
As Jacinta says, 'I want to be recognized because of my brains and not my beauty.' It's time to rewrite the narrative and encourage young women's aspirations and ambitions instead of undermining them.
The media has the power to deliver dreams to girls and boys about what they can be and what this world can be like. Let's help the girl/young woman #Rewriteherstory.
