Woman’s Day is arguably the grown-up version of Creme Magazine and Girlfriend. One that I had access to way too young. Every week as a child, when I was bored out of my skull waiting for my Mum to finish her two-hour long grocery shop, I’d stand in the magazine aisle of Countdown and read about “[GENERIC CELEBRITY]’S BABY RUMOURS!” My favourite section of all time would be the red-carpet rundowns they often had at the back of the magazine. My impressionable young mind was filled with the all-important and consuming question of “WHO WORE IT BETTER?”. Y’know, because all women are in constant competition with each other for no reason.
Now, having a quick scroll through the headlines on Are Media’s website, the modern Woman’s Day seems to be faring a little better. Although still full of unfounded gossip from “insiders” and “a close source”, the magazine has pivoted to seemingly harmless and fun click-bait headlines about local celebrities. There are multiple profiles of Celebrity Treasure Island contestants scattered among articles for “5 reasons to renovate now,” and “how to achieve the perfect winged eyeliner”. It gives me hope that young, impressionable children are no longer consuming internalised misogyny at the supermarket magazine aisles.
(Mostly) wholesome, gossipy wine-drunk Aunty at Christmas vibes.