In the Balance is a resource center for journalists, to help them make their reporting more inclusive of women’s perspectives and voices, and more representative of the world we live in by applying a gender-lens approach.

Just like a lens can help the eye see better, a “gender lens” allows us to consider the powers at play that have to do with gender in any given situation. Applied to journalism, this means taking into account how gender affects people and events at all stages of producing a news story, to ensure a fuller, more nuanced picture, and richer, more informative news where the audience feels included.

It seems like the most obvious step to take, but we all know it can be tough to find new, credible sources. Luckily, there is a growing number of databases indexing women experts. We’ve put together a list of some of those, as well as a list of helpful grassroots initiatives and organizations for you. Maybe it’ll spark some ideas, and help save you some time.

Oftentimes, research is reported on for a main finding that is deemed newsworthy at one time. But nested in reports and studies are details and bits of information that can spark an idea for a story. Want to start digging? We have a selection for you on a variety of topics to get you started exploring how gender intesects with all beats.

Many journalists all over the world have been doing this work for years. Yet, gender-sensitive journalism remains underrecognized and sometimes, even, misunderstood. To help you get a more concrete sense of what it means to apply the gender lens throughout different stages of the journalistic process, we compiled some advice from renowned reporters and editors.

Untold Stories: Experts’ POVs> View all articles

Women marching the streets of Washington D.C., United States in October 2021 (Gayatri Malhotra / Unsplash)

What does International Women’s Day mean in 2023?

Untold stories

Three organizations that work daily to achieve gender equality (Equal Measures 2030, Equimundo and Women in Global Health) tell us what March 8 means to them.

Monica McWilliams

Monica McWilliams on Women Contributing to Peace in Northern Ireland and Beyond

Untold stories

The academic and former peace negotiator talks about her journey navigating politics and sexism, what has evolved in how women are viewed during conflicts, and what lessons we can draw from the past.

Photo by Amir Arabshahi / Unsplash

Health Systems Risk Reaching a Breaking Point: What’s Gender Got to Do with It?

Untold stories

Pre-pandemic, the World Health Organization expected a global shortage of at least 18 million health care workers by 2030. With 70% of the current global workforce made up of women, solving this crisis seems to be very much a gender issue.

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Peer-to-Peer: Hear from experienced journalists> Access all episodes

The editor-in-chief of independent Afghan news outlet Zan Times tells us about how the project started in 2022 and how it operates today, with women journalists reporting on the field, under the Taliban rule.

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She is a news anchor at France 24 and the host and creator of “The 51 Percent”. In a new episode of “Peer-to-Peer”, Annette Young shares her views on women’s representation in conflict-related stories.

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Reporting at the intersection between gender, caste and disability, the 27-year-old data journalist (BehanBox, FT, IndiaSpend, Nikkei Asia…) has learned to uncover the stories that hide under statistics. In a new episode of “Peer-to-Peer”, she tells us about her data journey, and shares useful tips for those of us who aren’t data specialists.

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Gender in the News: Analyses & Examples> View all articles

From left to right, top to bottom: Francesca Donner, Mariya Shahsawar, Pamela Morinière and Haanya Malik

2022: A Turning Point for Women in the News?

In the Newsroom

Afghan reporters Mariya Shahsawar and Haanya Malik, US-based editor Francesca Donner, and French gender expert on media and head of Communications at the International Federation of Journalists Pamela Morinière reflect on the past year and what it means for the future of journalism.

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Hot Off the Press: Women & Economic News

In the Newsroom

Here’s a selection of pieces that caught our attention in relation to “women and economic news,” our focus theme in January 2023.

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Pamela Morinière

Pamela Morinière on the IFJ’s Response to Sexism in Political News

In the Newsroom

The International Federation of Journalists’ gender expert tells us about the specifics of their new project “Rewriting the story: Gender, media and politics,” what sexist question a famous German politician was asked that shocked her the most, and how she sees the future of gender equality in the news.

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Newsletter: The gender lens in action, one theme at a time> View all newsletters

Not to be all doom and gloom, but the next pandemic might be right around the corner, experts warn – it’s “inevitable.” We’ve heard of Disease X in the last few months, and although no clear global threat has been identified for now (despite the current worldwide cholera outbreaks), the world isn’t equipped to face another global pandemic quite yet.

It’s tough when, in the wake of an election where populism triumphs, we’re reminded how big of a role and responsibility journalism holds in what happens in society. We might avoid thinking about it on the daily or even somehow momentarily forget, but when the results of a ballot are confirmed, we have to face the facts: The news industry played a part in this outcome.

2024 is an election year in over 80 countries. Nearly half the global population has already voted or is expected to in the next eight months. Whether local, national, or international, these ballots are connected to the broader world context. While the top concerns for potential electors seem to be inflation, poverty, and social inequality, many politicians have chosen to put migration (once again) on their list of priorities when campaigning.


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Data & Reports: Follow the thread> View all articles

Women & Climate: Six Hard-Hitting Figures

Data & Studies

Climate change exacerbates existing inequalities. Here are some key numbers that show some of the ways it affects women. For contrast, we also take a look at a couple of figures of how (under-)represented women are at leadership roles.

Women & Peace : Four Reports for Inspiration

Data & Studies

Want to dig deeper for good data and stories? Here’s a selection of three general reports that will get you started, as well as one exploring how gender and peace also intersect with the climate crisis.

What Happens When Women Are Included in Peace Processes?

Data & Studies

Women are often forgotten or excluded from decision-making spaces. Yet when they are present, it does make a difference. The proof is in the data.


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