A neat 3 minute summary of how the media failed women in 2013.

Last year, the entire Mamamia team went to watch a film that had an overwhelming effect on us.

It was a documentary called Miss Representation. And it was, hands down, the most striking thing we have ever seen about the varying representations of women in media – and how they have let to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence.

After all – you can’t be what you can’t see. And there are so few women in positions of power – women that can be role models to our future generations of little girls.

This isn’t the only issue. Gender stereotypes continue to be reinforced by the media; women can either be princesses or witches. The choices are limited and polarising, and they unconsciously stay with us until adulthood.

And once we hit adulthood? We spend a ridiculous amount of time and money on self-improvement – because we are taught that a woman is largely valued for how she looks, rather than anything else.

Take a look at the video below. It shows just how far we’ve come in 2013. After all, it’s been a year of huge achievements for women in media; a year of great movies, great advertisements and great female news anchors.

But for all the positive news, there is still an incredibly long way to go. And this will make you realise just how far:

But there is some good news. Next year is another year; another year where we can continue to improve. One day – hopefully – we won’t even need to have this conversation, or watch these videos. Because it won’t be a problem anymore.

You can go here to find out more about the Representation project and donate.