'See Jane' Seeks to Broaden Gender Equity in Movies and Television

Gender equity has progressed in many ways, but male characters still dominate television, movies, and other media for young children. Since women and girls make up half of the human race, the presence of a wide variety of female characters in our children's earliest media is essential for both girls' and boys' development.
See Jane seeks to engage professionals and parents in a call to dramatically increase the percentages of female characters -- and to reduce gender stereotyping -- in media made for children 11 and under. See Jane founder, Academy Award winner Geena Davis, says, "By making it common for our youngest children to see everywhere a balance of active and complex male and female characters, girls and boys will grow up to empathize with and care more about each others' stories."

In collaboration with Ms. Davis and an Advisory Board of media professionals and educators, the project is administered by the respected national non-profit Dads and Daughters, whose advocacy has changed public policy and corporate marketing. Research, education, activism and collaboration are the project's hallmarks as we work hand-in-hand with professionals to improve our children's earliest media exposure from the inside out.

From Geena Davis:
I started See Jane because I want all children (including my sons and daughter) to see a balanced picture of our world in the media they love. I'm proud to be part of our creative industry and want it to broaden children's aspirations and expectations.

The startling results of See Jane's research are a call to action for everyone in the entertainment industry. Together, we can change the landscape of children's media. We can give our children a window into real and open opportunity for both boys and girls.

Please join me in this important work.

Geena Davis