Challenges and Aspirations of Women Journalists in Asia and the Pacific

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Challenges and Aspirations of Women Journalists in Asia and the Pacific Inside the News Inside . Challenges and Aspirations of Women Journalists and the Pacific in Asia Women of Challenges and Aspirations the News Challenges and Aspirations of Women Journalists in Asia and the Pacific Inside the News Challenges and Aspirations of Women Journalists in Asia and the Pacific II III Published in 2015 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization 7, place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris 07 SP, France, UNESCO Bangkok Office and UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific © UNESCO 2015 ISBN 978-92-9223-521-5 (Print version) ISBN 978-92-9223-522-2 (Electronic version) This publication is available in Open Access under the Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 IGO (CC-BY-SA 3.0 IGO) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/igo/). By using the content of this publication, the users accept to be bound by the terms of use of the UNESCO Open Access Repository (http://www.unesco.org/open-access/terms-use-ccbysa-en). Open Access is not applicable to non-UNESCO copyright photos in this publication. The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The ideas and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors; they are not necessarily those of UNESCO and do not commit the Organization. This report is published thanks to the support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. Project coordinators: Rosa Maria Gonzalez and Misako Ito Copy-editors: Jane Worthington, Laxmi Murthy and Chantal Mairesse Design and layout: Warren Field Cover photo: © IWMF Printed in Thailand TH/CI/15/020-200 CONTENTS II III Contents Forewords .............................................................................................................................................................................................V Acknowledgements.......................................................................................................................................................... VIII Acronyms .............................................................................................................................................................................................IX Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................................................1 Recent global resources on women in media......................................................................................................... 5 Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................................................10 Professional context ......................................................................................................................................................................12 Gender equity in media organizations ........................................................................................................................13 Working conditions and satisfaction ............................................................................................................................13 Professional associations and unions ..........................................................................................................................14 Sexual harassment .........................................................................................................................................................................15 Promoting gender equity .........................................................................................................................................................16 Gender balance in media content ...................................................................................................................................17 Research Framework ........................................................................................................................................................18 The survey ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 21 Key Findings ................................................................................................................................................................................ 22 Profile of respondents ................................................................................................................................................................ 22 Employment patterns ............................................................................................................................................................... 27 Nature of work .................................................................................................................................................................................. 28 Working conditions ..................................................................................................................................................................... 30 Training and professional development .................................................................................................................. 34 Professional associations and unions ......................................................................................................................... 36 Sexual harassment at the workplace .......................................................................................................................... 38 Strategies for change .................................................................................................................................................................. 40 Portrayal of women in the media ................................................................................................................................... 41 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 43 Gender equity in media organizations ....................................................................................................................... 45 Recommendations ............................................................................................................................................................. 45 Professional associations and unions ......................................................................................................................... 46 Government, media and civil society........................................................................................................................... 47 IV V Contents (continued) At the Forefront of Gender Equality in the Media: Case Studies......................48 Cambodia The rise of Cambodia’s “cloghers”........................................................................................................48 Cambodia A media organization breaking free of the cultural constraints .............................50 India A woman in the line of fire ........................................................................................................................52 India Delhi Union of Journalists leads on women in decision-making roles ............54 India Foregrounding women’s perspectives ............................................................................................56 Malaysia Empowering women through union representation by Hajjah Norila Daud ....................................................................................................................................58 Nepal Peace in Rolpa brings a brighter dawn for women ............................................................60 Nepal Asmita, a women’s magazine struggles and thrives .......................................................62 Pakistan Reporting from the frontlines .................................................................................................................64 Pakistan Women presiding over some unions ..............................................................................................66 Pakistan When rape is rape ............................................................................................................................................69 . Challenges and Aspirations of Women Journalists in Asia and the Pacific Journalists Women of and Aspirations . Challenges Sri Lanka Through a female lens ...................................................................................................................................71 Sri Lanka The leader in active mentoring ............................................................................................................74 Sri Lanka A strong backdrop for women’s career advancement .....................................................77 ....................................................... Inside the News Vanuatu Women, media and economic literacy in the Pacific 80 n Vanuatu Media tackles gender-based violence .............................................................................................82
Recommended publications
  • Kiribati Confronts Its Violence Shock Over Killings of Five Women As Government Pushes Family Peace Bill Through Assembly
    ISSN 2309-0510 Beneath Paradise VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 2 | JULY 2014 THE MAGAZINE OF THE PACIFIC WOMEN’S NETWORK AGAINST VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN Kiribati confronts its violence Shock over killings of five women as Government pushes Family Peace Bill through assembly July 2014 Beneath Paradise 1 Beneath Paradise International Events EDITORIAL on Fiji’s legal developments in relation to advancing women’s rights and give an account of the realities faced by women in Fiji and the Pacific,” Waqanisau said. The training The reality of VAW in Kiribati schedule ended with a solidarity event organised by APWLD in partnership with a women’s elcome to another issue of the organisation of garment workers in Cambodia. Pacific Women’s Network Against The solidarity event was organised to call on WViolence Against Women’s regional the government of Cambodia to release several magazine, Beneath Paradise. A lot has garment workers who had been assaulted happened since our last publication and and imprisoned for protesting against the low I commend our partners for the ongoing minimum wage received by garment workers in struggle against all forms of violence Shamima Ali with Ivy Josaiah APWLD colleague Cambodia, most of whom are women. against women and girls. and feminist in Malaysia. Shamima Ali The focus in this edition is the FIJI/TONGA situation of violence against women in REGION FWCC staff attend feminist forum Two staff of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, Kiribati. Violence against women is rife in the Pacific Ali speaks at ADB travelled to Chiang Mai, Thailand for the 2nd and Kiribati is no exception.
    [Show full text]
  • Jill Jackson: Pioneering in the Press Box
    University of New Orleans ScholarWorks@UNO University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations Dissertations and Theses Fall 12-16-2016 Jill Jackson: Pioneering in the Press Box Katherine C. Perkins University of New Orleans, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td Part of the Law and Gender Commons, Radio Commons, Sports Studies Commons, Television Commons, and the Women's Studies Commons Recommended Citation Perkins, Katherine C., "Jill Jackson: Pioneering in the Press Box" (2016). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 2267. https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/2267 This Thesis is protected by copyright and/or related rights. It has been brought to you by ScholarWorks@UNO with permission from the rights-holder(s). You are free to use this Thesis in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights- holder(s) directly, unless additional rights are indicated by a Creative Commons license in the record and/or on the work itself. This Thesis has been accepted for inclusion in University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks@UNO. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Jill Jackson: Pioneering in the Press Box A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the University of New Orleans in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Arts in History by Camille Perkins B.A., Louisiana
    [Show full text]
  • WOMEN and BUSINESS in the PACIFIC Anyone Seeking to Support Pacifi C Women and Contribute to Entrepreneurship, Business Development, and Private Sector Growth
    Women and Business in the Pacifi c This book provides a current and comprehensive analysis of the context in which Pacifi c women engage in the private sector, as well as a detailed list of strategies to increase their participation in business. Drawing on research and data from seven Pacifi c countries, it o ers a diversity of innovative and pragmatic ways to empower women and enhance their economic opportunities. Jointly undertaken by the Asian Development Bank’s Pacifi c Private Sector Development Initiative and the Government of Australia, this study is valuable for WOMEN AND BUSINESS IN THE PACIFIC WOMEN anyone seeking to support Pacifi c women and contribute to entrepreneurship, business development, and private sector growth. About the Asian Development Bank ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacifi c, while sustaining its e orts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in , it is owned by members— from the region. Its main instruments for helping its developing member countries are policy dialogue, loans, equity investments, guarantees, grants, and technical assistance. WOMEN AND About the Pacifi c Private Sector Development Initiative PSDI is a technical assistance program undertaken in partnership with the Government BUSINESS of Australia, the Government of New Zealand, and the Asian Development Bank. PSDI supports ADB’s Pacifi c developing member countries to improve the enabling environment for business and to support inclusive, private sector-led economic growth. The support of the Australian and New Zealand governments and ADB IN THE PACIFIC has enabled PSDI to operate in the region for years and assist with more than reforms.
    [Show full text]
  • Women and Men in the News
    Nordic Council of Ministers TemaNord 2017:527 Women and men in the news and men in Women 2017:527 TemaNord Ved Stranden 18 DK-1061 Copenhagen K www.norden.org WOMEN AND MEN IN THE NEWS The media carry significant notions of social and cultural norms and values and have a powerful role in constructing and reinforcing gendered images. The news WOMEN AND MEN in particular has an important role in how notions of power are distributed in the society. This report presents study findings on how women and men are represented in the news in the Nordic countries, and to what extent women and IN THE NEWS men occupy the decision-making positions in the media. The survey is based on the recent findings from three cross-national research projects. These findings REPORT ON GENDER REPRESENTATION IN NORDIC NEWS CONTENT are supported by national studies. The results indicate that in all the Nordic AND THE NORDIC MEDIA INDUSTRY countries women are underrepresented in the news media both as news subjects and as sources of information. Men also dominate in higher-level decision-making positions. The report includes examples of measures used to improve the gender balance in Nordic news. Women and men in the news Report on gender representation in Nordic news content and the Nordic media industry Saga Mannila TemaNord 2017:527 Women and men in the news Report on gender representation in Nordic news content and the Nordic media industry Saga Mannila ISBN 978-92-893-4973-4 (PRINT) ISBN 978-92-893-4974-1 (PDF) ISBN 978-92-893-4975-8 (EPUB) http://dx.doi.org/10.6027/TN2017-527 TemaNord 2017:527 ISSN 0908-6692 Standard: PDF/UA-1 ISO 14289-1 © Nordic Council of Ministers 2017 Layout: NMR Print: Rosendahls Printed in Denmark Although the Nordic Council of Ministers funded this publication, the contents do not necessarily reflect its views, policies or recommendations.
    [Show full text]
  • Gendered Violence and India's Body Politic
    manali desai GENDERED VIOLENCE AND INDIA’S BODY POLITIC he paradox of rape is that it has a long history and occurs across all countries, yet its meaning can best be grasped through an analysis of specific social, cultural and political environments. Feminist writing on citizenship and the state Thas long noted the relevance of women’s bodies as reproducers of the nation; it is equally important to think about the uses of the sexed body in a political context. A consideration of gendered violence as part of a continuum of embodied assertions of power can not only tell us how masculine supremacy is perpetuated through tolerated repertoires of behaviour, but also help us to understand how forms of class, kinship and ethnic domination are secured—and what happens when they are disrupted. Rape, Joanna Bourke has observed, is a form of social perfor- mance, the ritualized violation of another sexed body.1 This is no less true for such apparently depoliticized though grievous forms of violence as the now infamous gang rape of Jyoti Singh, a young woman returning from a night out in New Delhi in December 2012. In a country where complacency about sexual assault has been the norm, the uproar that followed suggested that an unspoken limit had been crossed. Mass protests across India expressed a very political and public anger with the institutional apathy and impunity of the estab- lishment. The mobilization of feminist groups and youth during this episode succeeded in generating a momentum for change, not least by challenging the stigma associated with reporting rape.
    [Show full text]
  • Special Issue: Gender and Journalism: Women And/In the News In
    NINETEENTH-CENTURY GENDER STUDIES ISSUE 10.2 (SUMMER 2014) Special Issue: Gender and Journalism: Women and/in the News in the Nineteenth Century Guest Edited by F. Elizabeth Gray and Nikki Hessell Gender and Journalism: Women and/in the News in the Nineteenth Century By F. Elizabeth Gray, Massey University, New Zealand Nikki Hessell, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand <1> In her four-part essay on the “Present State of the Manners, Society, Etc. Etc. of the Metropolis of England” (1800), the poet and novelist Mary Robinson outlined the significance of news and newspapers in London’s vibrant print culture: There never were so many monthly and diurnal publications as at the present period; and to the perpetual novelty which issues from the press may in a great measure be attributed the expansion of mind, which daily evinces itself among all classes of the people. The monthly miscellanies are read by the middling orders of society, by the literati, and sometimes by the loftiest of our nobility. The daily prints fall into the hands of all classes: they display the temper of the times; the intricacies of political manoeuvre; the opinions of the learned, the enlightened, and the patriotic….The press is the mirror where folly may see its own likeness, and vice contemplate the magnitude on its deformity. It also presents a tablet of manners; a transcript of the temper of mankind; a check on the gigantic strides of innovation; and a bulwark which REASON has raised, and, it is to be hoped, TIME will consecrate, round the altar of immortal LIBERTY! (Craciun 118) Unsurprisingly, given her own history as a popular female author, Robinson stressed the role that women played in the print culture of the capital, remarking that “[t]he women of England have, by their literary labours, reached an altitude of mental excellence, far above those of any other nation.
    [Show full text]
  • Cedaw/C/Vut/4-5
    United Nations CEDAW/C/VUT/4-5 Convention on the Elimination Distr.: General 12 November 2014 of All Forms of Discrimination against Women Original: English ADVANCE UNEDITED VERSION Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 18 of the Convention Combined fourth and fifth periodic report of States parties due in 2012 Vanuatu* [Date received: 17 October 2014] * In accordance with the information transmitted to the States parties regarding the processing of their reports, the present document has not been edited. CEDAW/C/VUT/4-5 Acknowledgment This second combined national periodic report has been produced by the Republic of Vanuatu in compliance with its reporting obligation as a state party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and produced for United Nations (UN)-CEDAW Committee in fulfillment of its mandate to review the Vanuatu periodic report to monitor the implementation of measures taken by Vanuatu government to improve the situation of women prescribed under the Articles of the Convention. This combined fourth and fifth periodic report was prepared and reviewed by the National CEDAW committee and key stakeholders which has been spearheaded by the Department of Women's Affairs (DWA). The National CEDAW committee members are representatives of the government, civil society organizations, and non-governmental organizations of women's groups, and were appointed by the Minister of the Ministry of Justice and Community Services (MoJCS). The preparation of this periodic report was a collaborative effort of the different ministries, departments, and agencies of the government, non-governmental organizations, civil based organizations, and academic institutions.
    [Show full text]
  • Women Journalists and Freedom of Expression Discrimination and Gender-Based Violence Faced by Women Journalists in the Exercise of Their Profession
    OEA/SER.L/V/II CIDH/RELE/INF.20/18 31 October 2018 Original: Spanish Women Journalists and Freedom of Expression Discrimination and gender-based violence faced by women journalists in the exercise of their profession Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Edison Lanza Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression 2018 OAS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA INTER-AMERICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS. OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR FOR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION. MUJERES PERIODISTAS Y LIBERTAD DE EXPRESION V. ; CM. (OAS. DOCUMENTOS OFICIALES ; OEA/SER.L) ISBN 978-0-8270-6636-6 1. FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION--AMERICA. 2. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION--AMERICA. 3. I. LANZA, EDISON. II. TITLE. III. SERIES. OEA/SER.L/V/II CIDH/RELE/INF.17/17 Document prepared and printed thanks to the financial support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency INTER-AMERICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS Members Margarette May Macaulay Esmeralda Arosemena de Troitiño Francisco José Eguiguren Praeli Luis Ernesto Vargas Silva Joel Hernández García Antonia Urrejola Flávia Piovesan Executive Secretary Paulo Abrão Assistant Executive Secretary for Monitoring, Promotion and Technical Cooperation Maria Claudia Pulido Chief of Staff of the Executive Secretary of the IACHR Marisol Blanchard Vera TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................ 9 CHAPTER I - THE SITUATION OF
    [Show full text]
  • Rapid Gender Analysis Cyclone Pam Vanuatu
    Photo Tom Perry, CARE Australia Rapid Gender Analysis Cyclone Pam Vanuatu 7 April 2015 Cyclone Pam In the aftermath of Cyclone Pam, Vanuatu has declared a State of Emergency across all six provinces. Shelter, food, health and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) are key needs. The United Nations estimates that the majority of Vanuatu’s population, spread over 22 islands, has been affected by Tropical Cyclone Pam. Understanding the impact of Cyclone Pam on women, men, boys and girls is crucial to deliver an effective response. CARE’s Rapid Gender Analysis of Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu analyses the different needs, capacities, and coping strategies of women, men, boys and girls. CARE’s Rapid Gender Analysis is built-up progressively; using a range of primary and secondary information to understand how gender roles and relations may change during a crisis. CARE’s Rapid Gender Analysis of Cyclone Pam, including its recommendations, will be revised as more information becomes available. Gender Relations: Secondary Data Review Like other Melanesian and Pacific countries, gender disparities in Vanuatu are significant. Vanuatu is a geographically spread out, linguistically and ethnically diverse archipelago with small population centres in isolated areas, which means reaching and providing services to all communities is costly and logistically challenging. 80% of ni-Vanuatu live in rural areas and 70% of the working population aged 15 years and over work in subsistence agriculture. Vanuatu can be characterized as a patriarchal society (although there are some matrilineal societies in some northern and central islands) in which women continue to face, at times severe inequalities, in all spheres of life: social, cultural, economic and political.
    [Show full text]
  • A Human Rights-Based Approach to Women's Land Rights in Tonga
    A Human Rights-Based Approach to Women’s Land Rights in Tonga Sela Teukisiafo‘ou Moa A thesis in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy University of New South Wales Faculty of Law April 2017 PLEASE TYPE Tl-IE UNIVERSITYOF NEW SOUTH WALES Thesis/Dissertation Sheet Surname or Family name· Moa First nflnle Sela Other narnc>Js Teuklsiafo'ou Abbrev1ahon for degree as given 1n lhe U111vers1ty calendar PhD School. Faculty of Law Faculty. Faculty of Law Title- A human nghls-based approach lo women's land rights ,n Tonga ABSTRACT Tonga is one of the many countries in the world where women have fewer ]and rights than men. This thesis proposes a response to the problem of unequal land rights for women in Tonga. Discriminatory laws that prevent women from owning land, supp01ted by cultural attitudes, operate to limit women's capacity to participate fi.1lly iu social, political and economic life. In formulatiug solutions the thesis utilises feminist legal <1pproaclles to equality and non-discrimination, feminist interventions in the debate between uuivers<11ism m1d culturnl refativism in h11111<111 rights discourse, and the hnman rights framework itself. This thesis makes an original contribution to knowledge by providing a feminist legal analysis of the basic principles of fand law in Tonga. The analysis of land law demonstrates that women in Tonga are discriminated against not just on the basis of their gender, but also on the basis of their class. It also illustrates that discrimination against women in land law breaches not only women's iimdamental right to equa1ity and non-discrimination., but also their social and economic rights.
    [Show full text]
  • Hearing Women's Voices?
    Hearing Women’s Voices? Dr. Kathy Walsh, Exploring women’s underrepresentation Dr. Jane Suiter & in current affairs radio programming at Orla O’Connor peak listening times in Ireland National Womens Council of Ireland Comhairle Náisiúnta Institute for Future na mBan in Éirinn Media & Journalism Published November 2015 by National Women’s Council of Ireland and Dublin City University ISBN 978-0-9926849-4-5 FUNDED BY Hearing Women’s Voices? Exploring women’s underrepresentation in current affairs radio programming at peak listening times in Ireland Dr. Kathy Walsh, Dr. Jane Suiter & Orla O’Connor Acknowledgments National Women’s Council of Ireland and Dublin City University would like to thank the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland for funding this research. We would like to thank Aileen O’Driscoll, Kristy Park and Joe Breen for their work in relation to monitoring the radio programmes. At RTÉ Radio 1 we would like to thank Vincent Murphy and the team at Morning Ireland, Kevin Bakhurst and Tom McGuire for giving their time and for giving us access to the behind the scenes production at Morning Ireland. At Newstalk we would like to thank Garrett Harte, Rebecca Meehan and the team at Newstalk Breakfast for giving us access to the behind the scenes production at Newstalk Breakfast. We would also like to thank Cliona Barnes who put significant work into the establishment and development of this project and Margaret Ward from Clear Ink and founder of Women on Air, for her contribution. Dr Kathy Walsh, Dr Jane Suiter and Orla O’Connor, Director NWCI. Contents 1.
    [Show full text]
  • The Social Impacts of Seasonal Migration Lessons from Australia’S Seasonal Worker Programme for Pacific Islanders Public Disclosure Authorized
    Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized The Social Impacts of Seasonal Migration Lessons from Australia’s Seasonal Worker Programme for Pacific Islanders Public Disclosure Authorized The Social Impacts of Seasonal Migration: Lessons from Australia’s Seasonal Worker Programme for Pacific Islanders Abstract The Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) is a temporary migration scheme between Aus- tralia and selected Pacific Island Countries. It was introduced in 2012 and covers the ag- riculture, accommodation and tourism sectors. Extensive efforts have been made to eval- uate the economic impacts of the scheme, but there is a lack of evidence on the social impacts emanating from the extended absences of key family members. Moreover, of the 17,320 workers who have participated in the programme since its inception, only 13.7 per- cent have been women. There are gaps in understanding around the gendered impact of the programme and the constraints that prevent women from accessing the SWP. Based on a focus on the two largest participating countries in the scheme, Tonga and Vanuatu, this paper aims to: (i) assess both positive and negative social impacts of seasonal migra- tion and explore how negative consequences can be mitigated; and (ii) examine the experi- ence of women in the programme, explore the barriers to access and put forward a set of recommendations to increase the female participation rate. i © 2017 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000; Internet: www.worldbank.org Some rights reserved This work is a product of Consultants working for and the staff at The World Bank.
    [Show full text]