If we could time travel, we, the women, would love to go back in time to see exactly at what stage of social formation society thought it was only natural to treat us as second-class citizens. The advent of patriarchy has left no stone unturned to turn down women in every possible way. Even today, in the modern world, women fight every day to prove they are no less. The basic idea of feminism, i.e., equality, is ruled out. People have tagged “feminists” with weird characteristics, making the fight tougher. When women want equal pay, they are tagged “way too vocal,” thus “feminists,” or decide not to have a child, not marry, or pursue their dreams that the social conventions do not permit; they are looked down upon and face criticism from almost everyone. How often do women have to fight for basic human rights? Well, we have lost count.
Sarcastically enough, patriarchal society has dedicated a few special days to us. They believe we need to be celebrated and validated. However, even then, they have attached a lot of stereotypes based on which they celebrate us. Funny, isn’t it? But as Maya Angelou writes, “You may tread me in the very dirt; but still, like dust, I’ll rise”—we women are never afraid to break free.
Netflix’s recent series, “The Law According to Lidia Poet,” is a classic example of a woman fighting her way to challenge the patriarchal world she lives in. Like Lidia, there are several other characters who have challenged social norms to live their lives on their terms. Here are a few such characters that you would love to watch.
The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-)
It is difficult to find a match for Margaret Atwood when it comes to portraying women. The series is an adaptation of the novel and is set in a dystopian future. Handmaids are fertile women who are forced into child-bearing (of course, as slaves) to maintain and uphold religious and totalitarian sanctity. Well, this intense storyline is backed by vividly graphic visuals. You would love the fact that you can see glimpses of the present world subtly imbibed into the tale. It is scary that something of this sort might plague our society, and the idea does not seem absurd. By the time you finish watching the series, the bitterness of patriarchy will engulf you in the most disturbing way possible.
I May Destroy You (2020)
We are not new to the sexual horrors women face every day. From domestic violence to dating rapes, women have tolerated and seen it all. Michaela Coel’s series deals with the traumatizing experience of a young girl in urban society who has been the victim of date rape, where her partner removed the condom without consent during sex, and a non-consensual threesome. Over the twelve series, the girl Arabella struggles and recalls the horror that she had faced trying to put together the pieces of the puzzle to have a clear picture.
Killing Eve (2018-2022)
In a world where there is a huge fandom of assassins, “Killing Eve” brings you a badass female assassin that will take your breath away. To add the cherry to the cake, you have a leading intelligence officer who is hell-bent on catching the assassin. A binge-worthy series that you would appreciate every second, “Killing Eve” presents three wonderful women: Eve (Sandra Oh), Villanelle (Jodie Comer), and Carolyn (Fiona Shaw).
Self-Made: Inspired By The Life Of Madam C.J. Walker (2020-)
We know the struggle of Black people. The constant racism, the exploitation, everything makes their life a living hell. But establishing one’s identity as a black woman is a challenge on a different level. The series is about a woman’s struggle to establish her haircare and be the first black woman millionaire. The series will showcase the struggles and the constant challenges which a lot of women can relate to.
Orange Is The New Black (2013-2019)
Well, women behind bars are at another level. Piper Chapman was sent to prison all of a sudden for a decade-old drug charge. In prison, she meets the inmates and learns about the hierarchy and their daily struggles. “Orange is the New Black” is a storehouse of emotions, an honest portrayal of reality, and empowered characters that will instantly light up your mood. The series is like a drug that will keep you hooked on it forever.
Unbelievable (2019)
This series will make you question everything that is wrong with our society. The series tells the tale of a young girl who has been raped at gunpoint. She faced constant criticism and had to face the wrath of society, not just from the male police officers but also from the female caregivers she had. The story shows the struggle of several young girls who had been raped and questioned and lived in shame and fear while the rapists roamed around freely. To serve justice to such victims, two female officers come forward, and the show unleashes the self-doubt that engulfs them due to societal conventions.
Fleabag (2016-)
Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the protagonist, is the alter-ego of most women in our society. She is a carefree, dry-witted, and sexually active young woman who believes in living life her way. She is unafraid to fail and get into trouble, as trouble is her synonym. The series is a well-knit tale of love, passion, compassion, and challenges. The best part is that the show constantly breaks the fourth wall, giving the audience the opportunity to be a part of the show. Phoebe has written and created the entire series, and you just can’t stop loving her.
These shows are entertaining and exciting at their best. The shows center around women and their struggles, but at the same time, there are a few male characters that will melt your heart. Those male characters will make you understand how simple and easy it is to believe in and practice equality. So, enjoy the shows and start practicing equality to make the world a better place.
See more: Top 7 Series Like ‘The Night Manager’ That You Should Add To Your Watchlist