See Jane 2023: On Screen Representation in Children’s Television from 2018 to 2022

December 6, 2023

Event Overview:

On December 6, 2023, the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media hosted its annual Global Symposium on Gender in Media at TBWA\Chiat\Day LA, unveiling the 2023 See Jane TV Report. This pivotal event attracted industry decision-makers and creators to discuss and strategize on improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in media and entertainment.

Research Launch:

The 2023 See Jane TV Report, analyzing gender representation in children’s content and popular shows from 2018-2022, was presented, highlighting progress and areas needing attention in media diversity.

Speakers and Panelists:

• Geena Davis, Founder of the Geena Davis Institute, shared her insights on the importance of gender parity in media and the institute's role in advocating for change.
• Madeline Di Nonno, CEO of the Geena Davis Institute, welcomed attendees and set the stage for the evening's discussions.
• Dr. Meredith Conroy, VP of Research and Insights at the Institute, detailed the findings of the See Jane TV Report, emphasizing trends in gender representation.
• Jennifer Payne, DEIA Lead at TBWA\Chiat\Day LA, spoke on the agency’s efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion.

Panel Discussion:

• Karissa Valencia, Creator/Showrunner of Spirit Ranger, discussed her groundbreaking work in creating a show with an all-Indigenous writers’ room and crew.
• Kris Wimberly, Co-Founder of Studio Smokescreen, shared insights into how his studio is changing the landscape of animation by prioritizing diversity and inclusion.
• Teri Weiss, EVP at DreamWorks Animation, spoke about her experience in developing content that appeals to diverse audiences and her role in influencing industry trends.

The panel explored significant findings from the See Jane report, such as the gender gap in non-human characters in animation, and shared experiences and strategies for creating more inclusive content.

Event Highlights:

The symposium served as a platform for critical dialogue on the state of gender representation in children’s media, offering new research insights and recommendations for systemic change.

Attendees engaged in discussions about the importance of diverse representation and the impact of media on societal norms and children's perceptions.

Closing Remarks:

Madeline Di Nonno concluded the event with a call to action, encouraging participants to leverage the insights from the See Jane TV Report to advocate for and implement change in media representation.

Future Engagement:

The event emphasized the ongoing commitment of the Geena Davis Institute and its partners to enhancing gender equality in media, inviting continued collaboration and action from all stakeholders in the industry.