I want to show how strong and smart women are. We go through so

"I want to show how strong and smart women are. We go through so much. We need to see that on screen. Those female parts are not many, but they are out there, and I have to find some. I want that chance." These powerful words from Ana de Armas reflect the deep desire to uplift and highlight the strength, intelligence, and resilience of women. De Armas speaks not only as an actress seeking opportunities, but as a voice for a movement that desires to see women’s stories told more fully and authentically. In a world where women have often been sidelined, minimized, or misrepresented, she calls for a new era in cinema—one where female characters are given the complexity and depth they deserve. The power of her statement lies in its truth: women are not just to be seen, but to be heard, valued, and showcased for the strength they carry within.

The ancients revered women for their power and wisdom, even if their stories were often told through the lens of men. The Greek myth of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, encapsulates the dual strength of women—their intellect and their courage. Athena was not only a warrior goddess but also a symbol of strategic thinking and reason. Her wisdom guided the heroes of the Iliad and the Odyssey, making her an indispensable figure in the ancient world. Yet, for all her might, Athena was often overshadowed by male gods, and the complexities of her character were not fully explored. It is this gap that de Armas seeks to fill: the portrayal of women as fully realized beings, complex and multi-faceted, strong in mind and body.

In a similar vein, the Romans understood the power of women through their legends, but their representation was often one-dimensional. Livia Drusilla, wife of Emperor Augustus, was a woman of great political acumen, yet history largely remembered her for her role as Augustus’s wife, overlooking her strategic mind and influence in shaping the empire. Like de Armas, Livia could have been seen as more than a supporting character; she had the strength to challenge power and the wisdom to navigate the treacherous political waters of the Roman Empire. The lessons here are profound: in ancient times, as today, the stories of women were often constrained by the perceptions of the men in power. But just as we now recognize the full potential of women in many fields, the ancient world too held examples of women who displayed the same intelligence and courage as their male counterparts.

De Armas’s statement also taps into the universal truth that women often face greater challenges than their male counterparts. They must navigate the world with not only their skills and abilities but also with the weight of societal expectations and biases. The story of Marie Curie, who discovered radium and won two Nobel Prizes, is one such example. Despite her monumental achievements, Curie faced discrimination not only because of her gender but because her groundbreaking work was often overshadowed by the men around her. In the early 20th century, she had to fight for the recognition of her contributions, even though her discoveries would go on to change the world. Curie and de Armas both exemplify the reality that women’s strength often goes unseen and unappreciated, but the demand for women’s stories to be told is an act of defiance and a testament to the truth that their contributions cannot be ignored.

When de Armas speaks of female characters, she is acknowledging the immense need for representation—the need for stories where women are not just side characters or love interests, but leaders, heroes, and visionaries. Just as Joan of Arc rose to lead her country, defying the limits of her gender and time, women throughout history have demonstrated that they are capable of immense strength and intelligence. Joan’s story is one of unyielding belief in her calling, a calling that transcended the limitations placed on her because of her gender. She too was a woman who faced persecution for daring to lead, but her story remains one of courage and resolve, just as the stories de Armas seeks to bring to the screen will echo for generations to come.

The lesson de Armas imparts is one of empowerment: the world is ripe for more stories where women are the protagonists, where their strengths, intellects, and courage are fully recognized. Representation is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The stories we consume shape the world we live in, and when we allow women to be shown as heroes, leaders, and thinkers, we open up new possibilities for future generations. The truth is, just as men have long been depicted in their complexities, women too deserve the full spectrum of portrayal—a complexity that includes vulnerability, strength, intelligence, and passion.

To take practical action in light of de Armas's words, we must strive to seek and create spaces where women’s voices are amplified. Whether in our professional lives, in the arts, or in our personal relationships, we must recognize and support the strengths of the women around us, empowering them to take on roles of leadership and innovation. Let us celebrate the many layers of women’s lives and contribute to a world where their stories are told with the depth, respect, and honor they deserve. Just as de Armas is determined to find and portray strong women in her craft, we too must find ways to recognize the immense strength of the women in our lives and the broader world. Representation matters, and it is time to ensure that the full spectrum of women’s experiences is seen, heard, and celebrated.