We need more women at the helm: speakers

Educators, journalists and rights activists at a seminar yesterday called for ensuring gender equality in different media houses in Bangladesh.

They also insisted on increasing the number of women in decision-making positions in newsrooms.

Speakers made the remarks at a seminar titled "Bangladesh Media Landscape and Gender Equality", organised at University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) auditorium in Dhaka.

The Embassy of Sweden and the Embassy of Netherlands organised the seminar, marking "16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence", an annual international campaign, in partnership with Management and Resources Development Initiative (MRDI) and ULAB.

At the event, Sweden's Fojo Media Institute and MRDI presented a report on gender representation in news media, after monitoring contents published by 10 media outlets -- five newspapers, two online portals and three television channels -- in seven days (November 7- 15).

The team found that the presence of women in different media outlets is only 14 percent. In terms of women's portrayal, most were portrayed as weaker and more vulnerable than men. Besides, derogatory words were also used to refer to women.

The report also showed some media outlets frequently published the identity of women, whether a victim or accused, without prior evidence.

The study also found only 8 percent of the special reports (bylines) were written by women during that specific week.

Speaking at a panel discussion, Dr Gitiara Nasreen, a professor of journalism at Dhaka University, said, "We have to understand the obstacles first and ensure equality for women."

Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation Shaheen Anam said, "If we can change our attitude and perception towards women, over 90 percent of such problems will be resolved."

"In the last 30 years, the media and women came a long way together. And that has been the result of women's movement and activism, that many of us have been involved in the last three decades, directly working with the media through training, discussions, seminars," said Shaheen Anam.

"The media has a very important role. But they are not the only medium to influence our attitude and perception. Solidarity within the media is important. A woman has to bring up other women along with them to senior-level positions and policy-making positions," she added.

During the question-answer session, speakers said until women reach key positions in the newsrooms, the media's decision-making will continue to be driven by male-centric perspectives.

They urged the media houses to address the situation promptly.

Prof Kaberi Gayen of Dhaka University, journalists Reaz Ahmad, Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul, Talat Mamun and others participated in the discussion conducted by Shuprova Tasneem, editorial assistant of The Daily Star.

Ambassador of Sweden Alexandra Berg von Linde and Matthijs J Woudstra, charge d'affaires at the Netherlands embassy, were also present.