Media representatives from Vanuatu are looking to gain insights from Fiji’s women in media initiative to enhance support for female journalists in their country, where they face substantial challenges in a male-dominated environment. Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation’s human resource officer, Stephanie Tebi, noted the absence of a dedicated women’s committee or association for media practitioners in Vanuatu, which adds to the struggles female journalists experience in expressing their views.
During a recent Women in Media (WIM Fiji) press conference, Tebi explained that many female journalists in Vanuatu find it difficult to voice their opinions due to societal norms that favor male leaders. “Coming from a male-dominated background in Vanuatu, males are mostly the ones with power,” she said, highlighting the obstacles still faced by female journalists. This sentiment was echoed by VBTC commercial manager Sussie Kilman Sewere, who urged young women journalists to persevere despite traditional barriers. She encouraged them to be vocal and strive for success, emphasizing that “the sky is the limit.”
The Vanuatu representatives aim to learn from regional examples on how to bolster the support for their female journalists and empower them to speak confidently. They are particularly interested in understanding what measures Fiji and other Pacific nations have undertaken to strengthen women’s roles in media.
Both Tebi and Sewere encourage young female journalists to persist and evolve in their roles. They affirmed that while the industry is challenging, women’s voices are essential and should be amplified. Sewere’s reminder to welcome constructive criticism as a means to grow reflects a hopeful approach to overcoming the adversity faced by women in media.
Additionally, this initiative aligns with the recent advancements recognized during the 7th Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) Summit held in Niue, where significant strides were made towards gender equality in media leadership, including a new gender quota for the PINA Executive Board. These steps indicate a broader commitment across the Pacific region to enhance the representation and influence of women in media, supporting the notion that ongoing efforts can lead to meaningful change.
This proactive stance from Vanuatu’s media representatives serves as a beacon of hope for female journalists in the region, fostering an environment where they can assert their voices and contribute to the media landscape with confidence and authority.
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