Study Finds that Portrayals of Female STEM Characters in TV and Film Haven't Improved in 10 Years

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.

The Lyda Hill Foundation and Geena Davis's Institute conducted the most comprehensive longitudinal content analysis of STEM characters in entertainment media to date, and a revealing survey of girls' and women's opinions of their perceptions of STEM. The study, led by Institute Research Director Caroline Heldman, Ph.D., offers a comprehensive analysis of the character portrayals of STEM professionals in film and TV and reiterates the significant role media plays in directly influencing young people's aspirations and career paths. As the Institute's motto states, "if she can see it, she can be it." The study found that:

• 62.9 percent of STEM professionals portrayed in media are men, outnumbering women STEM characters nearly two-to-one. This has not improved in the past decade.
• One-third of girls/women say they have considered a STEM career, but only one-quarter say they will actually pursue STEM.
• 82.7 percent of girls and women think it is important to see girls/women in STEM in films and television, but only 37.1 percent of STEM character portrayals are female.
• Girls/women are more likely to go into STEM if they personally know someone in STEM, have a STEM role model and have teachers, friends and family members who encouraged them to pursue STEM.
• Female characters that inspired women and girls to pursue STEM careers include:
  • April Sexton (Chicago Med)
  • Addison Montgomery (Private Practice)
  • Temperance Brennan (Bones)
  • Meredith Grey (Grey's Anatomy)
  • McKeyla McAlister (Project Mc2)
  • Dana Scully (The X Files)
  • Amy Farrah Fowler (Big Bang Theory)
  • Doc McStuffins (Doc McStuffins)

The "Portray Her" report supports the Lyda Hill Foundation's mission to promote science. The research behind the report lays the groundwork for the foundation's soon-to-be-launched "If/Then" initiative, which will create opportunities for female STEM professionals to promote their work and stories and, by doing so, positively influence young girls and women. If/Then asserts that young girls must have positive role models to realize their own full potential.

To read the entire report click here, or to receive more information on the If/Then initiative visit ifthenshecan.org.

About the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media
Founded by Academy Award-winning actor Geena Davis, the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media at Mount Saint Mary's University is the only research-based organization working within the media and entertainment industries to dramatically improve how girls and women are reflected in media targeting children 11 and under. For more information, visit: www.seejane.org.

About the Lyda Hill Foundation
The Lyda Hill Foundation is a private foundation committed to funding transformational advances in Science and nature, empowering nonprofit organizations and improving the North Texas and Colorado Springs communities. A member of the Giving Pledge, Miss Hill has a fervent belief that "science is the answer" to many of life's most challenging issues, she has chosen to donate the entirety of her estate to philanthropy and scientific research. The organizational ethos of the Lyda Hill Foundation reflects a mix of entrepreneurial vigor and a commitment to balancing profit with purpose. With this philosophy at the core of Miss Hill's philanthropic efforts, the Lyda Hill Foundation is committed to investing in solutions as opposed to incremental change. The Lyda Hill Foundation seeks to invest in solution-oriented initiatives that have the potential to impact global issues such as food safety, ocean conservation, medical research, and other related efforts. To learn more about the Lyda Hill Foundation, please visit https://lydahillfoundation.org/.

About If/Then
If/Then is part of Lyda Hill's commitment to fund game-changing advancements in Science and nature. If/Then seeks to further advance women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by empowering current innovators and inspiring the next generation of female pioneers. The initiative aims to create a platform to elevate positive and successful female STEM professionals with a focus on funding their works and sharing their stories, developing and supporting programs for middle school girls to learn about STEM opportunities and engaging media partners to help shift the perception of women in STEM. If/Then's mission is to inspire the next generation of girls to consider pursuing careers in STEM. To learn more about If/Then's mission to empower current innovators and inspire the next generation of female pioneers, visit www.ifthenshecan.org.

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