Woman

Woman is a powerful and riveting television series from Viceland that raises a loud and clear voice about the lived realities of women in various parts of the world. First touted in 2016 and executive produced by Academy Award-winning journalist, author, and documentarian, Gloria Steinem, this hard-hitting series seeks to drive meaningful dialogue about international women's rights, and shines a spotlight on extraordinary, everyday women from various cultural and social landscapes.

Viceland puts forth, through Woman, raw, engaging, and deeply emotional narratives that paint a vivid picture of the myriad global issues women face. The stories span across societal aspects, including politics, culture, religion, work, family, and warfare. Woman highlights these instances eloquently, drawing the viewers' attention to the unique struggles and triumphs women face in different communities and countries.

Steinem, along with an all-female team of journalists, takes the viewers on a journey into the less traversed corners of the world, giving them a firsthand experience of women's reality beyond the comfortable confines of the Western Hemisphere. These areas include Afghanistan, Zambia, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, the United States, and more. Each episode seeks to bridge the geographical gulf and abbreviate the compassion gap by capturing the resilient spirit of the female population, and their often unheard experiences.

Taking a frontline approach, journalists in Woman, draw deeper into the violent and unequal realities that women and girls confront in their daily lives. The series does not shy away from delving into hard-hitting topics such as sexual violence, femicides, illegal abortion, child marriage, maternal mortality, and more. It illustrates the undue burdens borne disproportionately by women worldwide, providing a harsh critique of the systemic issues that perpetuate gender inequality.

However, Woman does not solely focus on the struggles. It stands out for its portrayal of the women featured as not just victims but resilient fighters. Gloria Steinem and co. strive to elevate the voices of strong, inspiring women around the world who are defying odds and challenging the status quo. Amid the brutal realities, Woman foregrounds the strength, resilience, resistance, and hope that women embody globally. It showcases the unwavering spirit of women who, despite their circumstances, press forward in their quest for equity and dignity.

Steinem's seasoned journalism skills play a massive role in the series. She gracefully navigates these delicate narratives with empathy, compassion, curiosity, and respect for the individuals whose stories are being told. Her articulate questioning allows the women's voices to be heard. It's revealing and groundbreaking television.

Woman also reveals the importance of intersectionality. It captures the experiences of women across different age groups, races, ethnicities, religions, and socio-economic statuses, highlighting the various dimensions of discrimination and privilege that intersect with the broad umbrella of 'womanhood'. Each episode draws viewers into the emotional, often harsh realities that women across the world face, challenging ideas about cultural relativism and prompting viewers to question their own prejudices.

Beautifully produced and profoundly moving, Woman is not an easy watch. Filled with wrenching accounts and unsettling truths, the series in many parts is almost oppressive, a testament to the enormous socio-political evils women around the world confront. However, it is also inspiring and empowering, showing women as active agents of change, courageously leading the fight for their rights. It stimulates significant conversations about womanhood, resilience, and resistance.

In summary, the Viceland series, Woman, is a thought-provoking exploration into global women's issues. It serves as an eye-opening educational tool, challenging, and breaking down the walls of ignorance, complacency, and passivity. Bravely tackling sensitive topics, the series speaks volumes about the extraordinary courage of regular women. Although difficult to watch at times, Woman is an unflinching testament to the indomitable spirit of women across the globe. Witness these compelling stories in Woman, and join the conversation on women's rights, women's struggles, and women's undeniable strength.