We are here to change the world.
The mission of The Representation Project is to fight sexism through films, education, research, and activism to build a world where everyone can achieve their full potential.
Jennifer Siebel Newsom founded The Rep Project in 2011 with her groundbreaking film Miss Representation which launched a national conversation about sexism in media. She followed it up with the popular documentary The Mask You Live In, which ignited a national debate about healthy masculinities. Since then, Jennifer has released two more acclaimed films, The Great American Lie (2019) and Fair Play (2022).
Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s gender justice documentaries have been viewed nearly 30 million times, and the corresponding film curricula have changed lives, reaching over 2 million students and counting.
Our online campaigns also advance gender justice. In 2012, our #NotBuyingIt campaign drove advertisers to clean up sexist Super Bowl ads. In 2015, our #AskHerMore campaign changed red carpet interviews to focus on women celebrities’ projects rather than just their appearance. In 2021, our #RespectHerGame campaign called out Olympic coverage for its sexist coverage. We hold content creators accountable by harnessing the collective power of social activism.
In 2017, we launched our youth filmmaker program to train the next generation of gender justice storytellers. In 2018, we established a professional media research team to publish the annual State of Media Report Card and other timely and important studies.
The Rep Project uses a full-court media press of films, campaigns, youth programs, and research to bend the long arc of history toward intersectional gender justice. Join us in this struggle to create a more equitable world where everyone can reach their full potential!
Check out our work over the last decade on The Rep Project Timeline.
Rigid gender stereotypes are a public health crisis. For girls, gender stereotypes are the root cause of body hatred and shame, eating disorders, depression, low self-esteem, and low leadership ambition. For boys, gender role expectations are the primary driver of depression, risk-taking activities, substance abuse, suicide, and violence.
Why is this a public health crisis? Because 65% of young women have disordered eating, 18% of high school boys think seriously about committing suicide, and one-in-five women experience sexual violence. The Representation Project is the driving force behind a global movement to challenge damaging gender stereotypes and norms.
“I’M NOT ALONE”
“I love being reminded that I’m not alone. The Youth Media Lab is a reminder that there are other youth across the globe with similar concerns and who are just as passionate about social justice.”
“CREATING SOMETHING AMAZING”
“The Youth Media Academy (YMA) had affected my life in many ways. I now know how I feel about filmmaking and how much I can do in only 4 weeks. I’ve been inspired to do more creations from my room, due to the pandemic we are going through right now. This is the time to reflect and realize that we have so much to offer and learn. And programs like YMA helps you discover more about yourself while creating something amazing that reflects your vision.”
“VALIDATING”
The Mask You Live In “was validating, being able to see toxic masculinity defined in such an accessible way. It felt relatable to everyone on the gender spectrum.”
“OPENED MY EYES”
Miss Representation “truly opened my eyes and made me the feminist I am today.”
“EMPOWERED”
The Youth Media Academy “has empowered me to stand up for a more equitable world.”
