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

Sophie Knowles

Gender in Economic News: How We Can Help Close the Gap(s)

Untold stories

Researcher and senior lecturer Sophie Knowles specializes in economic journalism. Amid several projects on how economics, news and gender intersect, she discusses why the economy is one of the less inclusive beats and what journalists and media organizations can actively do about it.

Laura Aumeer, Europe-Asia department director at Conciliation Resources (© Teofil Rewers)

Laura Aumeer: “If We Don’t Include Women, We Miss Out on Half the Expertise in the World”

Untold stories

The Europe-Asia department director at Conciliation Resources says women play an essential, but often under-recognized, role in peacebuilding. She gets into the why and the how, and shares some resources and tips for sharper, more inclusive conflict-related stories.

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.

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

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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For our first episode of “Peer-to-Peer,” we sat down with former gender director at the New York Times Francesca Donner for tips on how to produce more layered stories.

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The co-author of “The Chilling: A Global Study On Online Violence Against Women Journalists” chats with us about the research behind the study and what it all means for journalists and journalism.

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

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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Women & Peace: Four Interesting Angles as Seen in the News

In the Newsroom

 

A selection of articles looking at conflicts and peace through a gender lens.

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Miriam Wells

Why Impact Should Be at the Heart of the Newsroom

In the Newsroom

Impact editor Miriam Wells has contributed to shifting the newsroom culture at the Bureau of Investigative Journalism to embed impact at every stage of the editorial process. She explains how strategizing for impact is a game-changer, and shares some tips.

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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 & 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.

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.


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