Becoming a parent can suddenly make you acutely aware of the messages society and the media send your child. And in the case of Academy Award winner Geena Davis, it led her to take action.
A tireless advocate for representation of women and girls, we are thrilled that Geena will join WorkHuman 2019, March 18-21 in Nashville, Tenn., for a candid and authentic discussion on gender equity in the workplace – from harassment and disrespect to pay inequality – and next steps to create systemic change.
You likely know Geena as one of Hollywood’s most respected actors and for her roles in iconic films such as, “A League of Their Own,” “Thelma & Louise,” and “Beetlejuice.” Did you know she’s also an Olympic archer and a member of Mensa?
In 2004 – long before #MeToo gained traction and we saw the reckoning of some of Hollywood’s most powerful male executives – Geena founded the non-profit Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. It’s the only research-based group working to engage, educate, and influence content creators, marketers, and audiences about the importance of eliminating unconscious bias, highlighting gender balance, and challenging stereotypes in media made for children. For all the strides it seems we’ve made in portraying empowered female characters, research from the Institute tells a different story.
For example, a study conducted by the Institute on family films and children’s television over the past 20 years found that there were 2.5-3 male characters for every female speaking character. Another global film study found that of characters holding a job, only 22.5% were female.
How does the lack of female representation in popular film and media impact the aspirations and self-perceptions of our children? Could a conscious effort to create more positive, independent, female role models change the future for the next generation? These are the questions Geena is committed to answering through her Institute, and why her perspective will play a critical role in the panel discussion at WorkHuman 2019.
“You can’t have a human workplace without equal gender representation,” says Geena. “I’m looking forward to sharing more about the diversity data we have uncovered and having an engaging discussion on how to effect real change – not just in Hollywood, but in every industry.”
For more information about the panel, “What’s Next for the Biggest Workplace Issue of the Decade,” and to register for the conference, visit workhuman.com.
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