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

Use the power-pathways already existent in your own unionsor associations. Women journalists must be fully aware of theunion’s rules and be ready to exploit them to their advantage.Sometimes unions or associations, government or labourorganisations have created their own policies on gender equalitybut have not yet, or not fully, implemented them. Action shouldmake use of these rules. For example, many unions are motionbasedand it will be important to put your ideas for furtheringequality in this format for adoption. Start a Campaign. If no gender equality policy exists in yourunion or if women are not adequately represented and protected,campaign for it! Make sure gender is mainstreamed in all activities of your union:policies, structures, events, union/association’s delegations.Monitor the progress made by gathering and publicising regularlyfigures on participation by sex of the membership in all unionstructures and activities. Establish women’s groups: the setting up of a statutory genderor women committee within the union helps to define genderissues and their impact on the workplace and the unions. Itis essential to look beyond the stereotypical ideas of genderissues so that it is understood that women are working towardsthe same or similar goals (improving standards of work, payand conditions; improving the standards of journalism, codesof conduct and workplace agreements to fight harassment;better family/work balance; etc.) as the union. Ensure that thecommittee has a mandate, financial and human resources andthe authority to carry out its functions effectively. Enable theCommittee to have direct input to the decision-making bodies—either by reporting directly to the executive of the union orbeing represented on it and that gender issues are taken up inall union policies.GENDER EQUALITY IN JOURNALISM27