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

Nathalie Weidhase (© University of Surrey)

Why We Should Be Paying Closer Attention to Pop Culture

Untold stories

A conversation with British researcher Nathalie Weidhase on gender in popular culture and media, and what role journalism plays in how women see themselves.

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.

Photo by Juliana Kozoski / Unsplash

Migration is a gendered process. Why doesn’t the news reflect that more?

Untold stories

Research on migration continues to evolve, adopting a gender perspective to better understand this global phenomenon. But society stays in majority stuck on outdated, biased perceptions of women migrants.

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

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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Our “Peer-to-Peer” series is back! In this first episode of season 2, we talk about gender journalism and it means in 2023 with the editor of “Impact,” a newsletter at the intersection of politics and gender.

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

Hot Off the Press: Women & Climate Edition

In the Newsroom

Here’s a selection of pieces that caught our attention in relation to “women and climate,” our focus theme in November 2022.

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Hot Off the Press: The Gender Data Gap

In the Newsroom

Here’s a selection of pieces that caught our attention in relation to the “gender data gap,” our focus theme in February 2023.

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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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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

Economy in the News: Why Is It a Man’s World?

Data & Studies

Want to dig deeper for good data and stories? Here’s are three trustworthy sources around gender in business news.

Data on Women Is Missing... Here’s Some Data About It

Data & Studies

There are many gender gaps in the world we live in, and one of them has to do with data. The gender data gap not only exists, but it also feeds and deepens other gaps. Here are some initiatives trying to track it where it happens and hopefully minimize it.

Gender Inclusion in Media: A Selection of Insightful Reports

Data & Studies

Want to dig deeper for good data and stories about popular culture through the gender lens? Here’s a selection of reports that will get you started.


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