On claiming our own version of self-image: 

The recent release of official portraits of Donald Trump and J.D. Vance provides a striking reminder of how self-image is crafted and communicated. These images, including Trump’s deliberate mugshot aesthetic, project dominance and defiance. Words like ‘go hard’ frame them as declarations of strength.

Yet, these portrayals also highlight the double standard women face in their own self-presentation. While male leaders can leverage visual storytelling to project authority, women’s images are often filtered through expectations of appearance, beauty, and youth. Ageing only deepens this scrutiny, with women frequently judged as ‘losing relevance’ while men are seen to ‘gain gravitas.’

 

Let's celebrate authenticity. Here's me doing my best ‘mug shot’ impression... eyes downward, shoulder forward… except mine's a slightly chaotic selfie, complete with questionably styled hair and a huge grin, because my daughter is holding the camera.

The tension between how women see themselves and how they are seen by others is deeply tied to societal bias. Self-image isn’t just personal—it’s political. Women are expected to balance confidence with approachability, leadership with likability, and authenticity with conformity to beauty standards.

But what if women could reclaim the power of self-image as an act of defiance against these constraints? By choosing authenticity over societal approval, women can challenge stereotypes and build a narrative of strength that resonates across generations. This isn’t about rejecting self-care or self-expression—it’s about owning the story behind the image.

Click through for the BBC's coverage of the presidential portraits

As we reflect on the stories portraits tell, it’s worth asking: What does your self-image say about you, and how can you shape it to reflect your values and ambitions rather than the expectations of others? Let’s grow this conversation.

 

#ReclaimingTheNarrative #WomenInLeadership #NoFilter #LiterallyAndFiguratively

#mentoringwomen #womenchangemakers #bridginggenerations #femalesolidarity

Author

Maggie Taylor

Founder of Lumin, creating opportunities for women solopreneurs to collaborate, grow, and build successful businesses, fuelled by shared knowledge, mentorship, and real partnerships across generations

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bridginggenerations femalesolidarity gendered inequality mentoringwomen NoFilter Reclaiming The Narrative womenchangemakers women in leadership