The inaugural Women in Media (WiM) conference concluded yesterday in Suva, emphasizing the need for collaboration, inclusive partnerships, and sustained funding support for women-led media initiatives across the region. This two-day event brought together notable media practitioners, civil society members, and stakeholders, focusing on the theme “Resilience in a Rapidly Evolving Media Landscape.”
On the second day, discussions were led by CFL journalist Rashika Kumar, focusing on strengthening ties with civil society. Panelists from organizations like femLINK Pacific, the Fiji Disability Forum, and The Asia Foundation discussed the significance of inclusive storytelling and grassroots advocacy in today’s media environment.
A key session highlighted the importance of cross-border alliances, featuring insights from media leaders from the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, and Australia, underscoring the regional commitment to collaborative storytelling efforts.
The day wrapped up with a plenary discussion on resilience, directed by Rosi Doviverata and Ricardo Morris, before a closing address by Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, who emphasized the need to secure protections for women journalists and the importance of their contributions to the media industry.
The conference not only provided a platform for women journalists to share challenges and strategies but also aligned with previous discussions on gender inequality in the media. The commitment from various panels to advocate for women’s voices and equitable representation reflects a hopeful future where collective efforts can address ongoing issues such as gender-based violence and underrepresentation in leadership roles.
This gathering of women journalists reinforces the belief in fostering a supportive environment where female voices can thrive, paving the way for significant positive changes in media representation and practices across the Pacific. The discussions at the WiM conference are a vital step towards realizing a more inclusive media landscape for current and future generations of women journalists.
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