On November 12, 2024, the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media hosted an exclusive virtual presentation to unveil its latest research findings on representation and gender equity in media and entertainment. The event drew a diverse audience of industry professionals and changemakers eager to explore actionable strategies for creating more inclusive and impactful content. Led by Dr. Larissa Terán, the Institute’s Director of Media Research, the session offered cutting-edge insights, highlighted critical gaps, and inspired proactive solutions for the industry.
Speakers
- Dr. Larissa Terán – Director of Media Research, Geena Davis Institute
- Madeline Di Nonno - President and CEO, Geena Davis Institute
Dr. Terán shared her expertise in data analysis and guided attendees through emerging trends in representation, fostering an interactive and engaging session.
Event Highlights
- Groundbreaking Findings: The presentation revealed the latest research from the Institute, including:
- STEM Representation: Progress and remaining gaps in portraying individuals in STEM fields.
- Mental Health Representation: The evolving narrative of mental health on-screen and its impact on societal attitudes.
- Caregiving Representation: Analysis of caregiving roles, highlighting gender disparities in portrayals.
- Solutions in Focus: A detailed exploration of how these findings can be implemented to drive equity and inclusivity in content creation.
- Interactive Q&A: Attendees had the opportunity to engage with Dr. Terán, posing insightful questions about the research and its application.
Key Takeaways
- Representation Drives Change: Authentic and diverse portrayals on-screen have a measurable impact on societal perceptions and opportunities for underrepresented groups.
- Persistent Gaps Remain: While progress has been made in STEM and mental health representation, significant disparities in caregiving portrayals still reflect outdated gender norms.
- Data as a Catalyst: Leveraging research insights is essential for content creators to address these gaps and shape more inclusive narratives.
Actionable Insights
- Incorporate Research Findings: Content creators and industry professionals are encouraged to utilize the Institute’s findings to inform casting, storytelling, and production decisions.
- Focus on Intersectionality: Representation efforts should embrace the complexity of intersecting identities, ensuring authenticity in portrayals.
- Collaborate for Change: Partnering with organizations like the Geena Davis Institute can amplify efforts to advance gender equity and inclusivity.
Explore Our Resources
To continue supporting the industry’s efforts, we encourage you to explore the Geena Davis Institute’s research-based toolkits. These resources are designed to equip creators with the tools needed to champion representation and foster meaningful change. Visit Research Archive - Geena Davis Institute to learn more.
