What was the common representation of women in cinema during its early years?

During the early years of cinema, women were commonly represented primarily as actresses. This period saw women depicted in a range of roles primarily within narratives designed for entertainment. Many early films featured strong female leads or archetypical characters, allowing actresses to become icons of their time. As cinema developed, the industry often relegated women to the visible roles on screen while keeping them out of behind-the-scenes positions like directing and producing, which were predominantly male-dominated. This discrepancy highlights the narrow scope of women's representation in filmmaking during those years, emphasizing their performance in front of the camera rather than their involvement in broader aspects of production or storytelling.