We’ve been hearing lots of talk about a book on how women can have higher levels of influence and leadership in the workplace, Lean In by Sheryl Armstrong. I’ve heard about it from family, reviews, and now in the fine talk at Northwest by Rev. Joan Armstrong Davis on Sunday, June 30. (We have one copy left in the bookstore.)
Interestingly, on the same day, NPR’s All Things Considered interviewed Geena Davis about her research on gender representation in media. Over the last 10 years, the Geena Davis Institute for Gender in Media has compiled the research that organizations such as CNN, Disney and the United Nations rely on to understand gender representation in the media.
Currently, family films have one female character for every three male characters and just 17% of characters in group scenes are women or girls. From 2006 to 2009, no female character in a G-rated family film was portrayed as a medical professional, lawyer, business leader or politician. Less than 20% of characters with any job are female. It’s figured that parity in society will be reached in 700 years, moving as fast as the last 20. (Davis wryly said her institute’s goal is to cut the time in half.) But, why and where does this matter?
What would it mean to our society if women could be seen and heard and influence just the environmental challenge even up to 50%? Would we still be even thinking about fracking? Would collaboration move to the forefront more than competition? Could we possibly save our environment and species including ourselves?
Let’s hold that thought, and support that kind of influence no matter where it’s coming from.