Getting the balance right: gender equality in journalism

T he designation of gender equality as one of two global priorities of the Organization in its Medium-Term Strategy for 2008- 2013 has placed this critical objective on the forefront of UNESCO’s strategic focus. This priority will be pursued through a two-pronged approach: (i) gender-specific programming and (ii) gender mainstreaming with action in all of UNESCO’s fields of competence: education, the sciences, culture, and communication and information and will apply to all levels of interventions from policy development, awareness raising and advocacy, research, to institutional capacity building and training. As a contribution to this strategic commitment UNESCO has developed a companion document to the Medium-Term Strategy entitled the UNESCO Priority Gender Equality Action Plan 2008- 2013, which provides a road map to translate the ideals of UNESCO regarding the pursuit of gender equality into a practical and results- based activity for the 6 years covered by the medium-term strategy. UNESCO believes that all forms of discrimination on the basis of gender are violations of human rights, and a significant barrier to peace, sustainable development and the achievement of all internationally recognized development goals. We are mindful of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted unanimously at the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women (4-15 September 1995). Among many other critical areas of concern, the Declaration clearly recognized the potential of the media to make a greater contribution to the advancement of women.

ISBN: 9789490116002
Publisher: International Federation of Journalists
Year of Publication: 2009