5 inspiring women dominating the creative industries in 2024

In 2024, the creative industries are evolving rapidly—with women* at the forefront. Women are continuing to break creative barriers, shaping the future of creativity across art, design, entrepreneurship, and technology.

However, the emergence of digital solutions and innovative technologies like generative AI has changed broader perceptions about the creative industries, leaving many in the creative industries uncertain about their futures. For many women in the industry, this seemingly imminent shift in perception runs the risk of potentially undoing generations of hard work for diversity and inclusion. 

As conversations around gender representation and equality continue, the creative sector stands as a testament to women’s remarkable contributions and influence. So how can we empower the next generation of creative women? Let’s explore how we can continue elevating female voices and creating a supportive space for creative women to thrive and succeed. 

Creative spaces have historically been dynamic places full of innovation, potential, and change, with women being the epicenter of that journey. In recent years, women have left an indelible mark in the creative space, inspiring change and breaking barriers to inclusion, diversity, and equality. 

The main aim of this movement is to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive creative ecosystem that nurtures talent, amplifies voices, and dismantles gender barriers. Although tremendous strides are being made in many creative spaces, women in the industry continue to face challenges that hinder their progress, stifle their voices, and perpetuate outdated stereotypes of certain industries being a ‘man’s world.’ 

Before determining what a future in creative fields looks like for women, it’s important to first identify and address the incumbent obstacles they face today. These challenges are felt across various fields, from marketing and design to videography, photography, and film production.

Historically, the creative industry is one of many that has been dominated by men, resulting in a shortage of female role models and equal representation in leadership roles. Nowadays, that is changing, with more women adopting prominent positions of influence where they can make their mark in the creative space. The narrative of women’s evolving role in creative spaces has become synonymous with continued progress, change, and diversity in many other industries.

Despite this, even in the most progressive creative spheres, the gender pay gap remains a persistent issue, with women earning less than their male counterparts despite performing in equal roles. The Federal Register reported that, on average, women working full-time and year-round earn roughly 84 cents for every dollar paid to men.

It doesn’t help that deep-rooted stereotypes and unconscious biases persist, often relegating women to specific roles or positions that perpetuate outdated beliefs about their capabilities or progression intent. 

Women in the creative industry have shown remarkable growth and resilience over time. Numerous women have emerged as trailblazers and game-changers, shattering glass ceilings and altering how we perceive creativity. These role models have proven that talent knows no gender

A renowned poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou’s powerful words and unwavering spirit have inspired millions worldwide. Throughout her illustrious career, spanning over five decades, she authored seven autobiographies, penned three collections of essays, and composed numerous volumes of poetry. Additionally, she contributed to various plays, movies, and television productions, earning her a myriad of accolades, including dozens of awards and over 50 honorary degrees.

A groundbreaking filmmaker and director, DuVernay has given voice to underrepresented communities and challenged the status quo in Hollywood. Following her directorial debut with “I Will Follow” (2010), DuVernay clinched the directing award in the U.S. dramatic competition at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival for her second feature, “Middle of Nowhere,” marking her as the first black woman to win this award.

The first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize, Hadid’s bold and avant-garde designs have redefined the built environment. Crowned by The Guardian as the “Queen of Curves” for her transformative approach to architectural geometry, Zaha Hadid reshaped the landscape with her groundbreaking designs, including the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympics, the Broad Art Museum, Rome’s MAXXI Museum, and the Guangzhou Opera House.

Inducted into the Television Hall of Fame and NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame, Rhimes was the creator, head writer, and executive producer of several successful TV shows – including Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, and the political thriller Scandal – becoming the first woman to create three television dramas achieving the 100 episode milestone. Also the producer of hit shows Bridgerton, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, and Inventing Anna, she has been frequently named as one of Time’s 100 most influential people in the world.

Another example is the influential photography from Elsa Garrison, who has covered numerous FIFA Women’s World Cups and captured these incredible athletes’ passion, determination, and athleticism. Her excellence and diligence in the field can document the sheer beauty of the game while challenging stereotypes and inspiring young girls to pursue their dreams no matter the obstacles. 

These remarkable success stories are just some of countless others that are a testament to the evolving role of women in the creative industry. Role models aren’t just figures to aspire to be like; they can profoundly influence the career trajectory of aspiring creatives.

Seeing women succeed in a creative role first-hand is crucial for helping young girls and women realize and strive to achieve their full potential. It sends a powerful message, with the subsequent ripple effect vital for encouraging more women to step forward into technical or creative roles, further inspiring more inclusivity and change in the industry. However, it’s up to businesses today to cultivate a culture that embraces that and is not stifling much-needed progress.

Female progression is not a priority exclusively confined to the creative space. Sectors ranging from tech and cyber to sports and media must adopt more meaningful and lasting practices that encourage greater representation and security for women. Business leaders and decision-makers play a vital role in fostering environments that empower and uplift women in creative roles and can continue this trend in several ways.

So, what can creative business leaders do to foster a more inclusive and empowering environment for women while quashing stereotypes and outdated perceptions of them in the broader industry?

By taking these steps, business leaders can cultivate a culture that celebrates and elevates the contributions of women, ultimately enriching the creative industry and driving innovation forward.

As we look to the future, the creative industry holds immense potential for women to break more barriers, shatter more glass ceilings, and leave a long-lasting mark on the industry they’ve been so pivotal in helping shape.

Expect to see more women stepping into prominent creative leadership roles in the coming years; their perspectives and potential leave plenty of room for continued innovation with technology used as an asset for overcoming creative barriers. As such, the creative industry can become a more diverse, inclusive, and ethical space where technologies such as generative AI are not viewed as the enemy but as tools that can streamline workflows and keep creativity and productivity high.

While the gender pay gap is an issue that transcends the creative space, it’s hoped that we can see continued strides in bridging this gap for the long term. Acknowledging that women often earn less than their male counterparts for the same work is crucial, as is advocating for fairer and more equitable pay and compensation schemes. Women should not have to attain positions of influence for this to begin; business leaders, regardless of gender, should have these conversations already. 

We can empower the next generation of skilled, talented women to pursue lucrative and fulfilling careers in the creative industry. Initiatives like mentorship programs, scholarships, internships, workshops, conferences, and other events or schemes should focus on empowering women to enter the creative sector. The more education and opportunities we can provide, the more we can support the development of women in the sector. 

The role of women in the creative industry is not simply about representation; it is about shaping the fabric of our culture, challenging norms, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. As we move forward, it is essential to recognize and celebrate the achievements of trailblazing women while simultaneously creating space for new voices and perspectives to emerge.