The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media hosted an engaging virtual discussion exploring how entertainment media can help dismantle harmful stereotypes, bolster cybersecurity awareness, and create pathways for women and girls in STEM. This event brought together influential leaders from technology, media, and advocacy to address urgent questions about safety, representation, and opportunity in the digital age.
Speakers & Panelists
Moderator:
Speakers:
- Geena Davis – Academy Award-Winning Actor; Founder & Chair, Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media
- Craig Newmark – Founder, craigslist & Craig Newmark Philanthropies
Panelists:
Event Highlights
- Opening Remarks – Madeline Di Nonno welcomed attendees, acknowledged the Lenape homeland, and introduced the event’s purpose: to spotlight the intersection of media, cybersecurity, and gender equity.
- Geena Davis emphasized the Institute’s mission to use research-driven advocacy to change how women and girls are represented in media, linking this to broader safety and opportunity in digital spaces.
- Craig Newmark discussed his $50M commitment through Craig Newmark Philanthropies to advance cybersecurity education, protection from online threats, and career support for women in technology and media.
- Expert Panel Discussion – Panelists explored strategies for:
- Breaking media stereotypes and improving messaging around cybersecurity.
- Expanding the career pipeline for women and girls in STEM.
- Identifying and addressing common cybersecurity mistakes individuals make.
- Embedding equity and safety into the design of technology and public awareness campaigns.
Key Takeaways
- Media as a Force for Change – Entertainment can shift perceptions, normalize women’s leadership in STEM, and promote accurate portrayals of cybersecurity careers.
- Pipeline Development is Critical – Early exposure, mentorship, and inclusive educational programs can significantly improve gender representation in technology fields.
- Holistic Cybersecurity – Protecting women and girls online requires both technical solutions and psychosocial safety measures.
- Collaborative Advocacy – Partnerships between nonprofits, industry, and media are essential to scaling awareness and implementing meaningful change.
- Everyday Digital Hygiene Matters – Individuals must remain vigilant with security practices, such as using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and being alert to phishing attempts.
Actionable Insights
- For Media Professionals – Integrate diverse, authentic portrayals of women in STEM into scripts and productions to challenge stereotypes.
- For Educators & Program Leaders – Expand outreach and programs that introduce young girls to technology and cybersecurity careers early.
- For Policy & Advocacy Groups – Collaborate with entertainment media to amplify public education campaigns on digital safety.
- For Individuals – Adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity in personal and professional contexts, ensuring both data and mental well-being are protected.
Recommendation:
To put these insights into practice, explore the Geena Davis Institute’s research-based toolkit—a comprehensive resource designed to help media creators, educators, and advocates incorporate equitable representation and accurate cybersecurity narratives into their work. This toolkit builds directly on the research and discussions featured in the event.
