Getting the balance right: gender equality in journalism; 2009 - Fokus

While statistics show that more and more women are trainingand entering the field, the number of women producers, executives,chief editors, and publishers remains shockingly low. In 2002 theCanadian Newspaper Association report stated that only 8% of theeditors-in-chief and 12% of publishers were women. The EasternAfrica Journalists’ Association (EAJA) reported in 2008 that less than20% of editorial places were filled by women in the region.FRONTLINE REPORTING Women working in war zonesINSI RECOMMENDATIONS Women journalists should be encouraged to discuss their particular needs forsupport and protection with their colleagues—male AND female—and ensurethat these are met. Colleagues and managers should be aware of the unnecessary pressure womencan experience to prove that they are capable of doing the job. It must be made explicitly clear to everyone that sexual harassment anduninvited sexual advances are unacceptable. Male bosses should be aware ofand acknowledge the threat and fear of rape. If working as an embedded reporter, don’t assume anything in terms of yourpersonal safety. Do all you can to be clear in advance about the conditionsyou will face. Ask who will meet you, where you will sleep, etc, so you knowwhat to expect. If possible, women journalists should be allowed a say in who they would like towork with in a team. Women journalists (including freelancers) should also, if possible, have theopportunity to train in self-defence. Hostile environment training courses should di rectly address women’s needs—which will in turn help raise awareness among their male colleagues.4 GENDER EQUALITY IN JOURNALISM