Women Over 50 in Media: Shifting the Narrative

The Geena Davis Institute's event focused on women over 50 in media, unveiling new research and featuring insights from industry leaders.
Sunday, November 21, 2021

On November 12, 2021, the Geena Davis Institute, with support from the NextFifty Initiative and in partnership with the Coronado Island Film Festival, hosted an enlightening event focused on the representation of women over 50 in media. The event featured the release of a comprehensive research report, "Exploring Representation of Older Characters in Film and TV: Insights from the Study (2010-2020)," and included insights from distinguished industry leaders.

Speakers and Panelists:

Event Highlights:

The Geena Davis Institute is committed to advancing gender equality and reducing stereotypes in media. In advance of this goal, with support from the NextFifty Initiative, the Institute conducted an in-depth study exploring the intersectional representation of women over 50 in media.

To open the event, Geena Davis highlighted the importance of accurate and inclusive representation of women over 50 in media. Dr. Michele Meyer presented the groundbreaking findings of the study and explained how this research sought to shine a light on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by older women in the entertainment industry. Emphasis was placed on the underrepresentation and stereotyping of older women in media.

Afterwards, the panel of industry veterans such as Lisa Bruce, Anna Chi, and Nancy Utley shared their experiences and provided insights into the evolving landscape for women over 50 in the entertainment industry. The event concluded with a Q&A, in which the attendees had the opportunity to engage with the panelists and asked thoughtful questions about industry trends, challenges, and future opportunities. The event underscored the importance of continued advocacy and strategic initiatives to improve representation of women over 50 in media and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable industry.

Key Takeaways:

Actionable Insights:

  1. Advocacy for Representation: content creators should actively seek the inclusion of older women in a variety of roles, avoiding stereotypes and showcasing their diverse experiences.
  2. Support Intersectional Stories: funders and producers need to support projects that highlight the intersectional identities of women over 50, reflecting their complex lives.
  3. Promote Inclusivity in Media: Media organizations and stakeholders should implement policies that prioritize gender and age inclusivity, ensuring that women over 50 are visible and accurately represented in media.

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Upcoming Events
In Person

The Hollywood Summit: Advancing Women in Tech

Join us for a dynamic summit where Hollywood meets Tech to bridge the gender gap. Discover how authentic portrayals of women in Tech can inspire change!
6pm - 9pm @ The Ebell of Los Angeles
Speaker:
Geena Davis, Founder and Chair, Geena Davis Institute