The media landscape in the Pacific is facing significant challenges, particularly regarding gender inequality, according to international lawyer and arbitrator Ana Tuiketei. Speaking at the inaugural Pacific Women in Media Conference in Suva, she emphasized the exclusion of women from leadership roles, the persistent gender pay gap, and the harassment faced by female journalists.
Tuiketei highlighted that women earn substantially less than men for identical work, even in regions where laws mandate equal pay for equal value of work, like Fiji. She noted an alarming projection from the International Labour Organization indicating that true gender pay parity will not be achieved until 2086 if current trends continue. Moreover, the media industry has seen women often relegated to less prestigious reporting roles, such as lifestyle or cultural topics, while men dominate more lucrative fields like politics and investigative journalism.
The issue of harassment in the media sector is also pressing. Citing a 2021 UNESCO report, Tuiketei warned that two-thirds of women journalists globally have experienced harassment, impacting their wellbeing and productivity. Many women journalists in the Pacific have reported needing to self-censor or even leave the industry due to the abuse they encounter.
The conference, which aims to unite women from across the Pacific to discuss experiences and solutions, provides a platform for enhancing solidarity in addressing these issues. Regional representative Rebecca Marigu expressed the emotional weight of coming together and sharing stories, which can help forge stronger networks for women journalists.
The need for a safe working environment, both physically and digitally, was a central theme. Tuiketei called for media organizations to establish clear protocols and urged the Online Safety Commission to boost protections for women in digital spaces.
This dialogue comes after previous conferences where female journalists shared experiences of threats and violence, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures and greater representation in media leadership. The discussions signify a possible turning point for women journalists in the Pacific, fostering a greater awareness of their contributions and advocating for systemic changes.
The ongoing efforts and unity shown at events like this conference are promising signs that the media industry in the Pacific is moving towards a more equitable future, where women can thrive and lead in their fields.
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