Why am I drawn to writing adventures and even apocalyptic fiction featuring female protagonists?

I see women as so much more than just sexual beings. Indeed, a case could be made that viewing the fairer sex in that framing can make them a victim of the patriarchy.

The obvious examples of this can be found plentiful in our modern world, and most of us are familiar with them. But it goes much deeper. For instance, when I (rather ironically) look for  images of women for my apocalyptic or adventure book covers, I am faced with a slew of demeaning, reductive, and even silly examples. If I type in female soldier, i get mostly depictions of women in camo short-shorts, with their breasts hanging out of their shirts, with a full face of make-up and perfectly coiffed hair, or holding a weapon incorrectly. And yet, when the same search is run on males, they all look like….soldiers. The men are never depicted in sexually titillating poses and dress, aside from an occasional beefcake shot, which also makes them look strong and soldierly.

Also, when looking for photos of middle-aged women, they are almost nonexistent. There are plenty of twenty-somethings, and plenty of old, wrinkled, decrepit women, but the in-between ages are suspiciously missing. This is also indicative of the mentality: women are young and beautiful and sexy, and the rest are presented as old and weak.

When women are relegated to the role of merely sexual beings, their other skills, contributions, and intrinsic value is given short shrift. Women can also be wise. Talented. Thoughtful. Compassionate. Courageous. Strong.

One could make a case for their ability to bring life into this world also, as a superpower. Why, then, do we continue to limit their roles in this world? Even on a subconscious level?