Can the White House explode the Barbie myth? It’s trying.

The conference, “Helping our Children Explore, Learn and Dream without Limits: Breaking Down Gender Stereotypes in Media and Toys,” aims to encourage more girls to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and math by rethinking both the products companies make for kids and the media these children consume. Bringing together a group of toy, media and retail executives along with activists, parents, academics and youth group leaders, the event aims to eliminate the gender divisions that define the media and toy market for young Americans.

Tina Tchen, executive director of the White House Council on Women and Girls, said redefining how the country’s children play, watch and read could have long-term implications for the makeup of the nation’s future workforce. Right now, it is one where 71 percent of science, technology, engineering and math jobs are held by men, while three-quarters of teachers and 91 percent of nurses are female.

“And research shows that the toys that kids play with and the media they consume has a real impact on the skills and interests they develop over their lifetimes, and the careers they ultimately pursue,” Tchen told reporters in a conference call Tuesday. “So we think it’s important for children’s media and toys to expose kids to diverse role models, and teach them a variety of skills so they can fulfill their potential and pursue their passion.”