Fay Volatabu, the executive director of femLink Pacific, has expressed enthusiasm over the increasing representation of women in media leadership roles, particularly following significant developments at the recent 7th Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) Summit held in Niue.
As a strong advocate for gender equality, Volatabu highlighted the notable progress, especially regarding the vital contributions of women journalists within the media industry. This was exemplified by the new PINA Board’s formation, which now includes three women, a rise from two in the previous board composition.
In her remarks at the summit’s conclusion, Volatabu stated, “This is a massive win for women, and I’m thrilled to be in Niue at this summit, participating in a group committed to advancing the future for women journalists.” She referred to the new gender quota as a historic achievement for women in journalism and expressed gratitude towards male journalists for their support and understanding of gender inclusion.
This pivotal change occurred on the final day of the summit, which was preceded by two days of discussions focused on the challenges faced by female media practitioners from Melanesia, resulting in a communiqué that was further elaborated upon during the summit’s panel discussions.
Volatabu emphasized the significance of this achievement in light of next year’s 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, stating that the media community can highlight their progress in achieving a 50% gender quota on the Executive Board.
The summit also included a training session for Women in Media, which brought together female journalists from several Pacific nations, including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. Over the two days, attendees discussed the impact of gender roles, specific policies affecting women journalists, and issues like Technology Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). The outcomes included a series of recommendations aimed at enhancing working conditions and leadership opportunities for women in the media.
Key recommendations featured in the communiqué included the establishment of a dedicated focal point within PINA to review policies and create safety protocols for women journalists in high-risk situations, the implementation of a 50/50 gender quota in the PINA Executive Board, and the formation of a Women in Media Forum prior to each PINA Summit.
The recommendations also called for the provision of psychosocial support for women journalists and the development of a peer support network across the Pacific region. Additionally, strategies were suggested for better inclusion of women journalists in government delegations and for fostering collaboration with development partners to enhance support for women in media.
A panel discussion titled “Women in Media” spotlighted the importance of gender equality in media leadership roles, featuring prominent figures in the field who shared insights on the advancements achieved and reinforced their commitment to ongoing gender parity initiatives.
Looking to the future, Volatabu expressed hope for sustained progress for women in media. She plans to travel to Vanuatu soon, aiming to continue the work and advocate for ongoing support from funders and regional governments. The successful implementation of the gender quota and discussions surrounding gender inclusion in the media illustrate the Pacific region’s dedication to enhancing gender equality in journalism, positioning women journalists to take a more prominent role in shaping the media landscape going forward.