Women in Film Presents: Make It Work!

Women in Film Presents: Make it Work! is a one-time one-hour special that aired on the CW network and was produced by Women in Film and MTV Entertainment Studios on August 26, 2020. The innovative special show is designed to celebrate and support working women and mothers in the grip of an unprecedented crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It illuminates the personal stories of female professionals navigating their careers and home lives during this challenging time. Astoundingly, the show deftly juggles content of different genres like comedy, music, and raw real-life events.

The show is hosted by incredibly talented actress, producer, and Women In Film ambassador, Naomie Harris, known for her roles in blockbusters like Moonlight and Skyfall. The special was aimed at shedding light on the harsh realities for women in America's workforce due to the pandemic and offering unique solutions with the central theme - "Make it Work!"

The show's narrative is oriented on the fact that women have been disproportionately affected during the pandemic. The show stresses on the fact that women are experiencing job losses at a higher wage than men, and women of color are even more affected. The issues of income disparity, the lack of affordable childcare, and remote learning challenges are emphasized throughout the special. Moreover, the show interviewed women from various professional strata, thereby making sure to cover a wide range of vantage points and personal experiences.

The star-studded roster of guest participants includes women with influential voices in the entertainment industry, including Marsai Martin, Malin Akerman, Logan Browning, and Rosanna Arquette. These personalities offer their unique takes and solutions, making for a vibrant and engaging dialogue. Comedic commentary, musical performances, and inspirational messages from celebrities like Jane Fonda, Wendie Malick, Natasha Leggero, and Alia Shawkat are also part of this cohesive narrative. These inspiring guest appearances heighten the show's entertainment value, making it enjoyable as well as informative.

Women in Film Presents: Make it Work! is not just a showcase of problems. The aim is to stimulate an ongoing conversation about the need for systemic changes and long-term solutions to support women in the workforce. The show introduces an action plan that viewers, employers, and policymakers can implement to better support women through this testing time.

The special also features an exclusive performance by Chloe x Halle and a comedy segment by Janelle James. Through the show, Women in Film launched the Hire Her Back initiative in partnership with New York Women in Film & Television and Women in Film and Television Atlanta. This campaign is designed to encourage employers in the media and entertainment industry to hire female employees back at their full salaries post the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite dealing with a heavy subject, Women in Film Presents: Make it Work! manages to tackle the issues in a light-hearted and hopeful manner. The show's conversational tone and pop culture references make the serious topic of women's employment during COVID easy to digest for a casual viewer.

By intertwining comedic relief and entertainment with serious real-life issues, the show does an excellent job of addressing the plight of career-oriented women and mothers during this global pandemic. This makes it a must-see for anyone interested in understanding the struggle and contribution of women in the modern workforce.

Despite being just over an hour, the show packs a powerful punch of insights, empathy, and inspiration. Young and old, regardless of gender, this special is a critical watch for anyone as it balances relevance and entertainment. As it addresses pandemic struggles, shakes patriarchy, and spotlights institutional inertia; it's an offering that resonates with viewers and adds a much needed female perspective to the narrative.