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Students Hear from Oscar Award-Winner Geena Davis on Gender Equality in the Media
On Monday, a group of students had the opportunity to hear Oscar Award-winning actress Geena Davis speak about women empowerment in the film industry. She noted the lack of representation and portrayal of strong women throughout the media. She also talked about her non-profit organization, The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. Her daughter inspired her to start it while watching children's shows together. She realized the absence of female characters in most movies and television programs and felt the change was crucial for young women.
Geena noted how media is a big part of the problem, but added, "Media can cure the problem it's creating." She mentioned using the media for change and to create positive outlooks toward women, rather than using it for negativity. Geena's motto is: "If she can see it, she can do it," and that's exactly what she's living and teaching.
This year, Geena will be receiving the Gene Hersholt Award at the Oscars for "outstanding contributions to humanitarian work."
