Ensure women represented at decision-making levels, media told

This World Press Freedom Day, the media has been asked to ensure that women are included in their organisational structure, especially at the decision-making level.

Penang executive councillor Chong Eng, who issued the call, said the gender ratio in the media, especially at decision-making levels, should ideally be 40 percent men, 40 percent women and 20 percent men and women.

Her call follows that of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who said last month that his government targets a ratio of 40 percent men, 40 percent women and 20 percent men and women at all levels so that no one gender dominates the decision-making process.

She also expressed hope that the media would also take heed of the proposal by UN Women to give more focus and report on issues covering inequality and gender discrimination.

“This freedom allows the media to provide a holistic coverage of gender issues in all aspects of life, whether the news is positive or negative, “ Chong told reporters at the Penang state legislative assembly building today.

“We should increase awareness of all sectors of society towards the importance of gender inclusiveness, to close the gender gap in society,” she added.

The theme of World Press Freedom Day 2019, which takes place today, is “Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation”.

This year, Malaysia climbed to the 123rd position in the World Press Freedom Index rankings, from its 145th placing in 2018.

Malaysia’s 22-rank improvement was attributed to the ouster of the BN administration on May 9 last year, as the former regime was said to have impacted upon the freedom of the media.

Chong Eng said she believes that the situation would improve under the Pakatan Harapan government.

She also reiterated that press freedom is a right enshrined under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

She quoted Cambodian Centre for Human Rights executive director Sopheap Chak, who had remarked in an article published by the Southeast Asian Press Alliance in March: “A media without women is only half the story."

“Women journalists must be respected, protected, and championed for a free press to flourish and thrive,” Sopheap further said. - Mkini