Study: Female STEM characters are underrepresented in both TV and film
The Lyda Hill Foundation, in partnership with Geena Davis's Institute on Gender in Media at Mount Saint Mary's University, released an extensive research report on the portrayals of female characters in science, technology, engineering and math in television and film. "Portray Her: Representations of Women STEM Characters in Media" shows that entertainment media has a long way to go to improve stereotypes about pursuing STEM careers.
"There are plenty of stories to be told of women on the front lines of scientific breakthroughs and innovation, but their stories are seldomly brought to the forefront of popular culture," said Lyda Hill, founder of the Lyda Hill Foundation. "We are at a pivotal time to change the ways girls and women think about themselves and their abilities to pursue careers in STEM. If we support a woman in STEM, then she can change the world."
"We're honored and very excited to be partnered with Lyda Hill, a remarkable entrepreneur and philanthropist with a deep passion for science. Our collaboration demonstrates a true understanding of the significance of media and entertainment in influencing how intersectional women and girls perceive STEM as a potential career. This groundbreaking study shows that if women and girls don't see themselves on screen as STEM professionals, they're less likely to pursue those career paths. However, the study also shows when entertainment media includes female characters in STEM, it can be highly positive," said Geena Davis, Academy Award winning actor and founder of the Institute.
About the Author
Alexis GajewskiAlexis Gajewski
Senior Content Strategist
Alexis Gajewski is a manufacturing writer and editor with nearly 20 years of experience covering the people, practices, and technologies that keep industrial facilities running. For more than a decade, she served as Senior Content Strategist for Plant Services, creating content for plant managers, engineers, and maintenance professionals on a variety of industrial topics.
During her tenure, Alexis worked to develop the brand’s digital strategy and helped launch and produce Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast. She also created The Lighter Side of Manufacturing, a weekly blog that explored the inventive and sometimes humorous side of the industry.
Alexis co-founded Influential Women in Manufacturing, a recognition program that honored 49 women in its first two years, earned an industry award for Best Product Launch, and received a proclamation from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and a commendation from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.
She also led newsroom operations and development at a large media company where she set editorial standards, developed training curriculum, and helped support AI adoption for more than 150 editors across 80+ brands spanning manufacturing, industrial processing, automation, and more.
Additionally, Alexis works as a freelance writer and editor, and her areas of interest include continuous improvement, the skilled workforce, and the role of emerging technology on the plant floor.
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