The underrepresentation of gender in journalism education has emerged as a significant concern in both academic and professional spheres. Through a systematic literature review, 41 articles were extracted in October 2023 from Scopus, EbscoHost, and ProQuest databases. The study identified three key challenges: underrepresentation of gender, intersectionality, and limited coverage of gender issues in the curriculum. These challenges perpetuate gender imbalances, reflecting broader societal inequities and hindering inclusive educational practices. The geospatial distribution of research reveals a notable gap in South America, highlighting the need for more studies in this underrepresented region. The finding that only 20% of studies reviewed used theory reveals a gap in scholarly rigour. This study shows the importance of theory in research and advocates transformative practices and inclusive policies towards effective implementation of gender representation in journalism education.