MEDIA WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN AND SPORT , , 15-16 May 2015

THE DOHA CALL TO ACTION

“COMMITMENT TO LEAD THE CHANGE”

1. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Doha Call to Action is issued by the delegates at the Media Workshop on Women and Sport, held in Doha, Qatar, on 15 and 16 May 2015.

2. PARTICIPANTS

The 113 participants were representatives of sports media, NOCs, Continental Associations, international organisations, as well as the business world. 68 countries from Africa, Asia and Oceania were represented in the workshop.

3. BACKGROUND

The delegates noted that the media coverage of women in sport has not increased due to multiple factors and continuing challenges; and recognised the key role that the sports media should play towards gender equality.

The delegates acknowledged that further coverage of women in sport is a key factor in building the participation of girls and women in sport at all levels.

The delegates called for greater engagement by decision-makers, as well as for more affirmative action in this respect by the Olympic family, the business world and media organisations.

The delegates noted that women needed to pro-actively foster media relationships.

4. COMMITMENT TO LEAD THE CHANGE

The delegates committed to:

- Continuing to portray athletes using messaging that focuses on achievements over appearance

- Being champions for women in sport

- Keeping connected through social media in order to share best practices

- Further developing relationships with International Federations and National Olympic Committees

5. CALL TO ACTION

The delegates call for the following action:

5.1 The International Olympic Committee, Continental Associations and National Olympic Committees are encouraged to promote media training to raise the media’s awareness about the importance of promoting gender equality.

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5.2 The International Olympic Committee and International Federations should conduct regular research and share results on media coverage of women’s sport to facilitate the necessary change in stereotype portrayal.

5.3 The IOC should work closely with IFs to ensure that women are not constrained from sport or/and portrayed through their attire.

5.4 The AIPS is requested to establish a minimum target of women’s presence in Executive Committees of National Sports Press Associations.

5.5 The AIPS is requested to create and revive National Sports Press Associations in order to foster sports coverage.

5.6 NOCs are encouraged to establish gender-balanced media commissions and to include women’s promotion in their mandate.

5.7 All NOCs should consider sending young journalists as press attachés to the Youth .

5.8 The media organisations to provide equal opportunities for female journalists.

5.9 Young athletes, especially girls, should be encouraged to embrace social media in this age of digital journalism and media.

5.10 NOCs, National Sports Press Associations and Ministries of Sport and Education to engage universities and colleges to introduce sports journalism curricula.

5.11 The Association of National Olympic Committees “ANOC” is requested to take the lead and table these recommendations to NOCs during its forthcoming General Assembly in Washington.

6. CONCLUSION

The delegates:

 Express their gratitude to the International Olympic Committee and the for the initiative, support and resources that made this workshop possible and a great success.

 Express their appreciation to the IOC, ANOCA, OCA and the ONOC for the inclusion of gender equality as part of good governance within the Olympic Movement. They urge them to continue to raise awareness and advocate for women and sport in the media.

 Express their appreciation to Intendant General Lassana Palenfo, ANOCA President, for his presence and support.

 Express their gratitude to the President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Sheikh Juan Bin Hamad Al- Thani, for his welcome and hospitality, and request that His Excellency convey the same to his colleagues, staff and volunteers for their efficient service and professionalism during this successful event.

“COMMITMENT TO LEAD THE CHANGE”

Doha, Qatar, 16 May 2015

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