Politics has long been a male-dominated field.

According to the United Nations, as of this article being written, only 19 countries have a woman serving as Head of State, and only 17 countries have a woman serving as the Head of Government.

According to UN projections, at the current global rate of progression, gender equality in the highest positions of power will not be met for another 130 years.

Despite this, there is no shortage of female role models in the media to fill the gaps left by a society not yet genuinely representative of the world’s population. Few fictional role models are as capable, formidable, and well-liked as Chrisjen Avasarala from Amazon’s sci-fi series The Expanse (2015-2022) and Elizabeth McCord of CBS’ Madam Secretary (2014-2019).

Elizabeth McCord serves as the U.S. Secretary of State for most of the series and becomes President of the United States in its final season. She is the ideal stateswoman, a moral yet capable leader, well-liked by her peers and her country. Chrisjen Avasarala, portrayed by Shohreh Agdashloo, holds various positions in the sci-fi, futuristic, and globalised government of the United Nations, including several terms as the nation’s Chief Executive, the Secretary-General. She is ruthless and proficient in using cutthroat political tactics to achieve her goals, but she is unapologetic in her actions.

Both politicians are a testament to a faithful and authentic representation of women in power in media.

However, the challenges real-world women face in leadership positions are not at all mitigated by few fair representations in the media. Many countries, even Western democracies, and supposed beacons of liberty, such as the United States, have successively failed to elect a woman to a position of power based on her gender, even if not explicitly stated.

Real-world women in leadership face various barriers simply due to their gender, whether it be the heightened scrutiny of their decisions or systemic discrimination and intolerance. The existence of fictional narratives, freed from the constraints of real-world politics, allows showrunners and audiences to see these challenges and explore the dynamics of women in leadership more easily.

Elizabeth McCord, portrayed by Téa Loni, in CBS’ Madam Secretary (2014-2019).

Elizabeth McCord, the main character of CBS’ political drama Madam Secretary, represents an idealistic and empathetic approach to leadership.

From her time in the CIA to her career in Washington, DC, McCord exemplifies the ethical and moral approach to leadership positions many wish real-world politicians would have. However, her morality is not based on pacificism or inaction. Her decisions are often based on diplomacy, justice, and fairness, and she is not afraid to confront her adversaries with formidable ease and finesse.

Her leadership style is impactful because it portrays a capable and respected diplomat who legitimately cares, co-operates, and compromises where necessary to achieve the best outcome for all. In a genre so focused on making powerful women confrontational and cold to seem powerful, Leoni’s portrayal shows that a woman can compromise and be understanding and simultaneously be a capable and powerful leader.

How she stands on firm ethical foundations as she engages with a wide range of cultures and identities is a testament to what real-world leaders could learn from fictional women in power.

Chrisjen Avasarala, portrayed by Shohreh Agdashloo, in Amazon’s The Expanse (2015-2022)

Chrisjen Avasarala, portrayed by Iranian and American actress Shohreh Agdashloo, shows how women in power can be ruthless and powerful in a way that does not feel unfaithful or stereotypical.

Her pragmatism in interplanetary politics and her commanding presence and sharp mind make her one of humanity’s most capable politicians and diplomats. She is unapologetic in how she leads, taking calculated risks and relying on her cutthroat diplomacy to ensure her victory and what is best for Earth.

The writers of The Expanse perfectly challenged the stereotypes that women are ‘overly emotional’ or ‘hesitant’ in positions of power. Throughout the series, she is undoubtedly the calmest and most capable person in a room. Agdashloo’s portrayal has earned her countless praise from viewers and critics alike as a fresh and original portrayal offering a new perspective transcending gender.

Avasarala’s role in The Expanse perfectly displays political savviness in government yet with a willingness to challenge the status quo. Agdashloo’s portrayal demonstrates that in navigating complex real-world political scenarios, you can be guided by principles that transcend traditional feelings around ethics and morality, as is her mantra: “Earth must come first”.

At the same time, her character also faces significant adversity: the loss of her son, a turbulent marriage, and political defeats. However, even after all that, she is committed to her country, planet, and people, above all else.

The portrayals of Elizabeth McCord and Chrisjen Avasarala offer valuable insight into the role of women in politics and as political role models. Both not only highlight the qualities many admire in powerful role models but also the challenges women face and will continue to face until society changes to support them. Not only that, but they challenge the traditional notions of women in power and show that there can be more to female leadership than the poorly written, conventional, one-dimensional fictional characters.

Tea Leoni, who portrays Elizabeth McCord, alongside former U.S. Secretaries of State (from left to right) Hillary Clinton, Colin Luther Powell, and Madeleine Albright. Image credit: Madeliene Albright.

The cultural impact of fictional characters should also always be considered. Representation in media can often drive real-world progress. Fictional characters such as Elizabeth McCord and Chrisjen Avasarala can help expand the conventional narrative that shows that women can lead through idealism, pragmatism, or both. Their portrayals can also help normalise the idea of women in leadership in a world still not representative of society. Fiction can be vital in challenging biases and laying the groundwork for real-world change.

In the wake of so much political upheaval and as 2024 draws to a close, it may seem that social progress regarding women in leadership has stalled or regressed. However, figures such as Avasarala and McCord show that sometimes setbacks are part of the journey that takes us towards real progress. They encourage change and resilience and serve as role models. To see a woman and a woman of colour serving in high political office, unapologetic and authentic to themselves in all they do, can be all needed to inspire a better world.

The power of representation of women in media cannot be underestimated. Media can change the world in ways that are sometimes underestimated. In the wake of such political setbacks for the idea of female empowerment, and where many feel powerless, there at least can be some small glimmer of hope. As a new generation seeks inspiration, it is good that there are fictional characters like Elizabeth McCord and Chrisjen Avasarala to inspire and empower those who seek inspiration. That is, until society can evolve, and fiction becomes reality.