4 Protagonists on Netflix Who Defied Gender Stereotypes in their Careers

Are you feeling burnt out from overloading work at school? Everyone knows that there’s nothing better than using Netflix to de-stress (I don’t advise bingeing to the state of procrastination, however). If you want to harness some female empowerment and channel it into motivation for your studies, I recommend watching a show or movie with a lead who defies gender stereotypes! Next time you’re browsing through Netflix, keep these motivational protagonists in mind.

1. Madame CJ Walker from Self-Made

Self Made is a fictionalized mini series that depicts the story of America’s first woman to become a self-made millionaire. Madame CJ Walker is determined to grow her hair and beauty manufacturing company during times of racial and gender discrimination, facing many hostilities from rival brands and societal norms. After many years growing her empire, Madame CJ Walker owned the title of becoming the first self-made female millionaire. This was not her only accomplishment, as she dedicated herself to philanthropy, activism, and was passionate about supporting other females in the workforce!

If you’re interested in beauty care, barbering, or dress-making, the Home Economics TVL strand might be just for you! You could end up as a stylist, artist, or even start up your own business in this field – just like Madame CJ Walker! A reminder that these career options suit boys just as much as they suit girls! 

2. Enola from Enola Holmes 

Enola Holmes tells the story of the famous Sherlock Holmes’ sister Enola, as she travels to London to find clues left behind by her missing mother. Many hardships come her way, such as Enola’s other brother Mycroft having plans to send her to a finishing school for girls, and a murderer on the hunt for knowledge she has about a newfound companion! 

Since incredible wit and observational skills run in the genes of the Holmes family, Enola solves the mystery of her mother, and several more. If you’re just as much of a problem solver as Enola is, consider the Industrial Arts TVL course, where you can go onto welding, electrical servicing, and repairing work! 

3. Ángeles Vidal from Cable Girls

Cable Girls is Netflix’s first Spanish TV series focusing on four women in the 1920s, and their individual journeys to independence as switchboard operators. Ángeles Vidal is a mother who works as the most experienced operator at the company, facing criticisms for going outside of her role as a homemaker. Defying all odds, Ángeles and the other protagonists form close friendships as they face the restrictions on women’s rights in the Spanish male-dominated society. 

If you’re interested in the work of Ángeles and her companions, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) strand is right for you! Learning to design websites and programming, you can go onto careers as a call center agent, programmer, and technician! 

4. Jo March from Little Women

An overall heartwarming film about four sisters growing up in the late 1800s, one sister in particular has bigger plans than the typical norms for women at that time. Jo March dreams of becoming a writer, and while her family is greatly supportive of her decision, outside perspectives constantly reject her ambitions. Regardless, Jo defies the societal expectations of a woman, and achieves her goals by publishing a novel about the tales of sisters – purely because her male publisher couldn’t refuse how incredible her work was. 

If you want a career like Jo’s to express your mind and soul and harness your creative juices, you might enjoy studying the Home Economics track! You can go on to become a stylist, barista, tour guide, or hospitality manager.

In case these TVL strands don’t pique your interest, maybe the Agri-fishery Arts strand will! You’ll get to familiarize yourself with various production industries that will later prepare you for jobs in food processing, animal production, or landscape installation. 

Though not a part of the Netflix catalogue, you should also check out videos from FarmHer, which is powered by an IRL female boss who captures stories of women working in agriculture!