Fay Volatabu, the executive director of femLinkPacific, has commended the growing representation of women in media leadership roles following significant outcomes from the 7th Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) Summit held in Niue last week.
Volatabu, a strong proponent of gender equality, highlighted the progress made, especially the acknowledgment of the vital contributions of women journalists within the media industry. This was exemplified by the election of a new seven-member PINA Board that includes three women, an increase from two on the previous board.
At the summit’s conclusion, Volatabu expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “It’s been a massive win for women, and I’m excited to be here in Niue at the seventh PINA Summit, to be part of the group that is going to pave the way for women journalists in the future.” She viewed the introduction of a gender quota as a milestone for women in journalism, acknowledging the teamwork and recognition shown by male journalists in understanding these dynamics.
This notable change was announced on the summit’s final day, which featured a two-day pre-summit gathering focused on the challenges faced by women media professionals in the Melanesian region. The event allowed participants to propose solutions, culminating in a communique that was further examined during a panel discussion.
Volatabu also emphasized the significance of this accomplishment in light of the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action next year. She noted, “Next year, being Beijing plus 30, when the media fraternity of the region attends CEDAW, they can say they have achieved one of the milestones by having a 50% quota in the Executive Board.”
Additionally, the Women in Media training coinciding with the PINA Summit attracted female journalists from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Women in Media Australia. Over two days, attendees participated in discussions about gender roles and policies affecting women journalists, addressing critical issues like Technology Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV).
The training produced a communique that included recommendations for enhancing the working conditions and leadership opportunities for women, such as policy reforms, leadership quotas, psychosocial support, and improved collaboration with governments and development partners.
Among the key recommendations were the establishment of a focal point within PINA to review policies and develop safety protocols for women journalists, the realignment of PINA’s leadership structure to implement a 50/50 gender quota, and calls for psychosocial support networks for women journalists across the Pacific.
The summit’s broader agenda included a panel discussion that underscored the significance of gender equality in media leadership, featuring various representatives from Women in Media organizations across the Pacific. Panelists shared insights about the progress made in advancing women’s roles in the media and reiterated the commitment to promoting gender parity.
Looking ahead, Volatabu expressed optimism for continued improvements for women in media, stating her intent to extend efforts into Vanuatu this week while advocating for sustained funding and support for women in the media from donors and regional governments.
The communique, the introduction of the gender quota, and ongoing dialogues surrounding gender inclusion in media signify the Pacific region’s dedication to advancing gender equality in journalism. With these recent developments, women journalists are poised to take on a more substantial role in influencing the future of media in the region.