Lerato Marabe feels it is an opportunity for more women to step out of the shadows and take control of productions.
Lerato, who has captured many people’s hearts with her role as Pretty on Skeem Saam, stated that while more has to be done, she is encouraged to see more women in positions of power in the entertainment sector.
“At first, women were not given the big roles on screen but that is changing. We are starting to see more female heroes and women leading films. The thing is, women are overlooked when they can do the job just as well or better (than men).”
Despite the changes made, Pretty expressed concern that not enough was being done behind the scenes to break down opinions.
“Women are always seen as part of the makeup or wardrobe team only. It is time that more women step into directing or producing. Of course, it is happening but it is happening slowly and more needs to be done. The time for women to be in the background is over,” she added.
Lerato has also seen the change in her own character, with Pretty going from a “stagnant” supporting character to one who tells her own complex story.
“She’s changed a lot over the last few years, she has gone through adolescence and I am really falling in love with the character. This is like real life.”