Kira Cochrane’s article discussing the Diversity Audit hash-tag and women’s visibility highlighted to me the importance of pioneers. Specifically, in this case, female pioneers; innovative developers of new ideas or techniques. Not 'living on a ranch in America cooking and cleaning' women pioneers. We seem to be under the impression we have none, which is simply not true.
Using the favourite example for this subject, panel shows, Cochrane writes, “The trouble is, the fewer women who appear on these shows, the fewer feel comfortable doing so – and more broadly, and most importantly, the fewer girls and young women are likely to feel confident claiming public space, speaking their minds, believing women are valued for their voice and opinions”.
Using the favourite example for this subject, panel shows, Cochrane writes, “The trouble is, the fewer women who appear on these shows, the fewer feel comfortable doing so – and more broadly, and most importantly, the fewer girls and young women are likely to feel confident claiming public space, speaking their minds, believing women are valued for their voice and opinions”.
Countless bookers have given quotes over the years describing the reception a suggestion of a female guest gets. MP, comedian or writer the only question asked is, ‘is she fuckable?’ I assume this is why when young women comedians do appear on shows such as Have I Got News For You they are trussed up in fancy suits and covered in such mature make up they are not just rendered unrecognisable but I spend moments thinking, ‘I had no idea Camilla Parker-Bowles was such a card’.
Therefore is it any wonder young women aren’t dreaming of a day behind the scenes at the BBC, when a make-up artist will apply frosted lipstick as someone flicks out their newly frosted hair. ‘This will look great in the final product when all my jokes are edited out!’
Discussing women’s visibility in terms of panel shows might seem frivolous. But to see women being asked their opinions on politics, business, science and economics would undoubtedly improve young women’s attitudes on their own validity. It would also, I am positive, improve the relationship between the genders because it would signify that no domain was gendered.
To become a pioneer is to take a risk. To do something others thought either impossible or plain silly. To become a pioneer you need a lot of time and money, something women are often without.
I would also say a certain amount of eccentricity is required to become a pioneer. Men have known the value of eccentricity for years but can you blame women for being hesitant about that when we’ve only got Widdecombe blazing that particular trail?
At Squeamish Bikini we think it's about time to celebrate women who have stood out and made a difference, so we will be starting a new series on female pioneers. Who would you like to see included? Let us know in the comments section...
Squeamish Kate
Therefore is it any wonder young women aren’t dreaming of a day behind the scenes at the BBC, when a make-up artist will apply frosted lipstick as someone flicks out their newly frosted hair. ‘This will look great in the final product when all my jokes are edited out!’
Discussing women’s visibility in terms of panel shows might seem frivolous. But to see women being asked their opinions on politics, business, science and economics would undoubtedly improve young women’s attitudes on their own validity. It would also, I am positive, improve the relationship between the genders because it would signify that no domain was gendered.
To become a pioneer is to take a risk. To do something others thought either impossible or plain silly. To become a pioneer you need a lot of time and money, something women are often without.
I would also say a certain amount of eccentricity is required to become a pioneer. Men have known the value of eccentricity for years but can you blame women for being hesitant about that when we’ve only got Widdecombe blazing that particular trail?
At Squeamish Bikini we think it's about time to celebrate women who have stood out and made a difference, so we will be starting a new series on female pioneers. Who would you like to see included? Let us know in the comments section...
Squeamish Kate
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