Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media: Programs

Programs for Tackling the Gender Issue

The Institute is the leading resource for gender equality issues in children's media for the entertainment industry and the public. To facilitate positive change, we pursue a three-tiered approach: Research + Education + Advocacy

Research Informs & Empowers

The Institute has commissioned the largest body of research on gender prevalence in family entertainment, spanning more than 20 years. Our research findings are in high demand by companies and organizations interested in the empowerment of women and girls, and the creation of leadership and entrepreneurship roles. These studies, conducted by Dr. Stacy Smith, Ph.D. and her team at the USC Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism, reveal decisive and startling evidence of gender inequality and rampant stereotyping in film and television.

The Institute's research serves as the basis for education and outreach programs that help families, studios, educators and content creators become critical consumers and producers.
Download and read our key findings and full research studies...

Education Ensures a Balanced Future

The Institute and its programming arm, See Jane, are at the forefront of changing female portrayals and gender stereotypes in children's entertainment and media. We work collaboratively with decision makers and content creators through our workshops, training sessions and research-backed content evaluation and recommendations. The Institute's community educational outreach aim to inspire and sensitize the next generation of content creators to focus on gender equality and reducing stereotyping in children's media.

Our pilot learning video series, "Guess Who" was created by college producers, and teaches children ages 6 to 9 about gender stereotypes. In March 2010, "Guess Who" debuted on Channel One, the leading television news network for teens, and reached over 6 million kids. Teachers were able to receive the program via Channel One Connection. Our 2011/2012 program will expand the video series to engage colleges across America and will include online educational tools and grassroots social media campaigns.
The Institute has partnered with several film festivals including the Sarasota Film Festival, which has established a year-round program incorporating media training workshops and filmmaking challenges for middle school and high school filmmakers.
The Institute's weekly digital SmartBrief newsletter delivers breaking news, trends, research and insights on gender in media from around the world.
The Institute partnered with the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences College Television Awards and established the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media Focus on Diversity and Gender Equality Award Scholarship.

Advocacy Builds Bridges

The biennial Global Researcher Roundtable and Symposium on Gender in Media convenes over 300 entertainment industry decision makers, thought leaders and content creators to work collectively on improving gender equality in children's media.
Geena Davis is an official partner of UN Women, and serves on the California Commission on the Status of Women.
Geena Davis and the Institute are regularly called upon to address national and global companies, educational institutions and organizations on issues pertaining to gender in media, and the empowerment of women and girls.
The Institute's research data and reports are frequently quoted in major media such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, CNN and MSNBC, accumulating over 1 billion audience impressions with a potential media value of over $10 million.*
The Institute and founder Geena Davis are partners with the Girl Scouts' Healthy MEdia: Commission for Positive Images of Women and Girls, and the Healthy Media for Youth Act legislation.
In 2011, the Institute will take the Gender in Media Symposium to New York and Washington, D.C.

* Based on Nielsen NetRatings

See Jane

See Jane is a program of the Institute that utilizes research, education and advocacy to engage the entertainment industry and recognize the need for gender balance and varied portrayals of females and male characters into movies, TV, and other media aimed at children 11 and under. We work cooperatively and collaboratively with entertainment creators to encourage them to be leaders in creating positive change.

Show Your Support

Altruette

We've partnered with Altruette to offer the exclusive See Jane TV Charm. Available in silver or gold, it's the perfect addition to your favorite bracelet or necklace. For men, check out the silver See Jane TV Cufflinks. 50% of the net profits from every sale benefit the Institute.

Stay Informed

Sign up for the FREE Geena Davis Institute SmartBrief, a weekly email newsletter delivering the latest news, programs, studies, and events related to gender issues in children's media! Click to Subscribe...

Join Us!

Find out how you can get involved through volunteer opportunities, community building, and annual memberships, or make a donation online to contribute to this important work. Let's make a difference together!

© 2011 Geena Davis. All rights reserved. The Geena Davis Institute is a project of Community Partners, a nonprofit charity exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.