White House Hosts Panel On Gender Diversity in Toys and Media

TIA Members and Staff Among Presenters and Attendees at “Helping Our Children Explore, Learn, and Dream Without Limits: Breaking Down Gender Stereotypes in Media and Toys”

April 12, 2016 | Toy Industry Association (TIA) representatives and members, along with toy and media professionals gathered at the White House on April 6^th to discuss new research revealing that children’s interests, ambitions and skills are influenced during formative years by the media they consume and the toys with which they play. 

The day-long event was hosted by the White House Council on Women and Girls, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Media Diversity & Social Change Initiative at the University of Southern California.

With a large focus on the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) field, panels, case studies and break-out sessions continued the dialogue of encouraging girls to embrace their interests in the growing area. According to White House information, the STEM industry is projected to be a top-growing job sector. The field currently has more than 600,000 unfilled positions in information technology alone, and that women hold only 29 percent of STEM jobs.

In addition to educators and media professionals, toy industry leaders like LEGO, Mattel, DC Entertainment, Disney and littleBits presented case studies about gender stereotypes in toys and media. Alice Brooks, PlayMonster’s STEM Monster and co-founder of Roominate, a line of building sets designed for girls, said she gained insight that she will implement in her products.

“Personally, it really resonated. The presenters basically drew us a map for how to level the playing field,” Brooks noted. “Everyone who attended can improve gender equality in the industry with the next wave of ideas. As more companies focus on these problems, the more it will be positively reflected in future toys.”  

TIA was one of several groups to commit to elevating the conversation about gender diversity in toys, entertainment and retail. The Association invited White House organizers to present a devoted session during this year’s PlayCon, its May 2-4 industry event in Miami, Florida.

“PlayCon is the ideal venue to continue exploring this important topic, since its attendees are the leading toy and industry professionals whose goal is to create wonderful play experiences,” said Ken Seiter, TIA vice president of Marketing Communications. “How children play is vital to their development and can influence many life choices, and TIA encourages children to embrace all varieties of activities.” 

Visit full White House fact sheet about the event.

The PlayCon itinerary is available here.