For centuries, women have been told how we should exist, how to present ourselves, and how to seek approval in a world designed to diminish our voices. The creative landscape, much like society itself, has long been skewed in favour of the male gaze, with women’s artistry often dismissed, sexualised, or outright censored. Today, in an era where empowerment and gender equality are at the forefront of conversation, it is infuriating to witness the continued suppression of powerful content created by women for women.
As an empowerment boudoir photographer, I, like many other creatives, have experienced firsthand the frustrating and downright unjust treatment of our work on social platforms. Art that is meant to uplift and celebrate self-love is too often and increasingly flagged, hidden, or removed. The reasoning? It doesn’t cater to the outdated standards of what is deemed ‘appropriate’, standards that have historically been dictated by male dominated patriarchal control. Meanwhile, male-centric content, often designed to objectify women rather than empower, is allowed to thrive. I believe that this glaring disparity is a reflection of a much deeper societal issue: the fear of women fully embracing their power.
Women have had to fight for space in every arena, our voices in politics, our autonomy over our bodies, our representation in media, and our right to be seen without seeking permission. The fact that female creatives continue to be silenced or overshadowed is not an accident. It is a system designed to keep us in check. Every time our art is removed, every time our work is deemed ‘inappropriate,’ the message is clear: women must only be visible when it serves male interests.
But we refuse to be erased.
Our mission is not for the male gaze, and not for their approval. We create for ourselves, for the women who have been conditioned to shrink themselves, for those who are now standing up and reclaiming their bodies, their voices, and their right to take up space. The act of celebrating our own beauty, strength, and sensuality is an act of defiance in a world that profits from female insecurity. This is precisely why it is so heavily policed. God forbid global giants see reduced profits when women decide to stop buying into the 'I need this to be worthy of' ...space, love, success, my dream job, friendship, sentiment (the list is worryingly long).
Women creatives, whether photographers, writers, musicians, or artists, are on the front lines of this battle for visibility and autonomy. And we must stand together. We cannot afford to retreat into the shadows. The fight for equality is far from over, and the world continues to remind us that if we do not claim our power, it will be taken from us. We must demand our place, not only in art and media but in every aspect of society. We must continue to create, to share, to push back against the forces that seek to stifle us.
Now is not the time for silence. Now is the time to be louder than ever.
Women need to acknowledge just how powerful we are. We deserve our place at every table, no matter the company. When we raise our voices together, the world cannot ignore us.
So let’s create, let’s take up space, and let’s shout until they have no choice but to listen.
Our work matters. Our voices matter. And we are here to stay.
Comentarios