Issue

Media Insititutions Should Be 

Gender Sensitive

The widely publicised photograph of the newly elected committee of the Goa Union of Journalists (GUJ), after elections to the body held last week -- sparked a debate; rather outrage, at least in one group comprising of influential women in Goa. There was not a single woman in the frame; therefore the outrage. To my mind the picture was appalling, and criminal as well -- the union, as projected in the photograph resembled a Boy's Club. GUJ acclaims itself to be the only voice for journalists and journalism in Goa. That it represents a broad range of media professionals, including women. In the spirit of a union, it also claims to serve as a platform to encourage its working women and freelance journalist members to speak up against injustice and call for action on gender equality and equity in media. 

Even a rank outsider would consider the union, as a media institution, to actively campaign for changes, especially on gender issues – including the predominant gender pay gap or the all too prevalent workplace harassment. At least that is what is expected of a media institution, for all its noise on gender disparity -- here, there and everywhere (sadly except within its own house). However, the poor state of affairs in GUJ was all too noticeable in this one frame. The episode stressed the need for a call to action. The resulting outcry raised demands for a stronger women representation in all decision making positions, moreover in the union that is supposed to represent women at work. Subsequent action was a  petition entitled, "Where are the women", directed to the president-elect, Rajtilak Naik, seeking positive amends. 

Excerpts from the petition: "Women journalists have made significant strides in Goa. Yet, it is evident that they are still bearing the brunt of inequality. Many problems still exist -- notwithstanding the disproportionate number of men in decision-making roles within media houses, newsrooms and unions; albeit the few improvements. Gender disparity is mirrored in GUJ itself of which you are now the chief. The widely publicised photograph of the newly elected all men GUJ team is a sad commentary on the women journalists in Goa who are conspicuous by their absence in leadership roles in GUJ. The absence of women in the said picture make women's absence publicly visible, and perpetuates the further cementing of the status quo. Media houses and moreover journalist unions' are supposed to be champions of gender equality -- known to raise awareness and consider gender inequality is at least an issue. But there remains a diabolical disconnect between what is preached and practiced. 

My queries have been met with a common answer -- that women journalists shy away from representing the union. This itself is an issue that needs to be addressed. The primary concerns of women journalists I spoke to center on growing job insecurity and workload. This has raised doubts about gender sensitivity in the workplace. This also makes it obvious that many women journalists in Goa still struggle every day to make their voices heard. The biggest consequence, therefore of non-representation of women in GUJ is that a male-dominated union will not take up women-related issues with the same intensity as other issues. The big gap should be addressed. Gaining confidence of women to represent the union is paramount, for the union inturn to fight against the undercurrents of discrimination. It is paramount to have women in decision making positions in the union. I humbly request you to take action to make women's power visible. Look into the GUJ structure to make sure women participate in the first place, are fairly represented at all levels, and adopt strong policies securing gender equality to make a change. Issues of journalism in Goa cannot be addressed ignoring the problems faced by the growing number of working women journalists. It is urgent that their priorities be recognised and addressed."

While awaiting response, the need for expert opinion on the issue led to consult Laxmi Murthy, one of India's well known journalists -- who I met during a conclave of the India Women's Caucus (IWC) in Bengaluru, last year. Laxmi is the co-founder of the Network of Women in Media, India (NWMi) -- a premiere association providing a forum for women in media professions "to share information and resources, exchange ideas, promote media awareness and ethics, and work for gender equality and justice within the media and society." Currently functioning in 16 centres across the country, it is yet to set up a chapter in Goa, though a few independent journalists in the state (including me) are members of the network. An expert on gender issues, Laxmi edit's South Asia Press Freedom reportS of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). It is her strong belief that there should be genuine equality within media institutions, for quality journalism to thrive. She notes that journalists' unions should be committed to a gender equality agenda. Stressing the need for a quota system and policies for real change to happen, Laxmi informed that 37 percent of IFJ affiliates have already introduced gender quotas for executive bodies, and more than 40 percent of IFJ affiliates have established gender policies in place. 

Even as there is no dispute about the perceptible absence of women from decision-making positions in media institutions, Laxmi's fundamental contention is that advancing gender equality is a collective effort that "should be championed by both women and men." In her view it is critical to break the cultural and patriarchal barriers, as well as gender-blind policy frameworks that exercise constrain on women from asserting their rightful  positions. The key, says the expert, lies in mainstreaming gender in codes of conduct, policies and procedures. I must mention that much earlier, even as the debate on the GUJ episode raged within the group, one of Goa's ace journalist, Prakash Kamat -- moreover a champion of gender rights, sought to redress the issue. He called upon the president-elect, expressed his displeasure, and requested him to fix the issue. Known for his strong stand in favour of promoting a culture of safety within media organizations, and pushing for a zero-tolerance policy towards gender-based discrimination, it is hoped that his plea to co-opt a woman member (or members) would be entertained by the union. Notwithstanding, all stakeholders will need to contribute to efforts aimed towards ensuring gender parity in media institutions, for the real issue to be addressed, and to effect change on ground. 

Note: The article written by Rajeshree Nagarsekar was first published in her weekly column on Gomantak Times, Goa