21 Aug 2020
This Women’s Month, UN Women South Africa and the GIZ –
Partnerships for Prevention of Violence against Women and Girls programme (PfP)
call on the media and entertainment industry to commit to actively fighting
gender-based violence (GBV) and promote gender equality by signing the
‘Statement of Commitment for Gender Equality in South African Media’.
“As we grapple as a society to address the scourge of GBV and unequal gender
dynamics, a key sector that is often overlooked is the media and creative
industry. These industries hold the power to influence how we view ourselves
and society at large” says Anne Githuku Shongwe, UN Women Representative for UN
Women's South Africa Multi-Country Office (SAMCO).
The voluntary statement motivates South African news and entertainment media
organisations and practitioners to reflect and take on the roles and
responsibilities that come with the influence they hold. It is meant to guide
the way for signatories to become a positive force in this country’s struggle
with gender inequality and GBV.
In partnership with industry, civil society, government and regulatory bodies
the Step It Up for Gender Equality in South African Media project formulated
the ‘Statement of Commitment for Gender Equality in the South African Media’,
including commitments around the themes: “Gender Sensitive Reporting”,
“Un-Stereotyping Entertainment and Storytelling” and “Creating a Safe and Equal
Space ‘Behind the Scenes’”.
‘The time for increased commitment and action is now, this statement is a bold
and practical response to the crisis we face in South Africa. We invite media
and creative industries to scale up their focus on women’s rights and gender
equality issues through high-quality coverage and editorial decisions,
complemented by gender-sensitive corporate practices’ says Ms. Githuku Shongwe.
Joan Moeketsi, Component Manager SA for the PfP programme says “As GIZ, we are
committed to preventing GBV through various initiatives. This launch intends to
bring South African media stakeholders together to play a more conscious role
in preventing the scourge of GBV and discrimination built upon unhealthy gender
stereotypes”.
The statement will be officially launched with a virtual Women’s Month event on
the 26th of August. The event will include influential media personalities,
SANEF’s Executive Director Dr Kate Skinner, Healthe News CEO Portia Kobue and
an opening address by the Commission for Gender Equality’s Chairperson Ms.
Tamara Mathebula.
For more information about ‘The Statement of Commitment for Gender Equality in
South African Media’ visit: partnershipsforprevention.org or contact Luxolo
Matomela on luxolo.matomela@giz.de (link sends e-mail)
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