Talkshow with new moneymakers, captivating ideas, new solutions, and a positive vibe and energy. In this series we dive into the field with international journalists, photographers, filmmakers and scholars to speak about their emerging stories and the importance of journalism. Because especially in these uncertain and trans-formative times, reliable information and independent media are more important than ever. This week is about inclusive journalism.
At a time when the worlds attention is focused on the bleak economic forecasts and the health and climate crisis, independent journalists play a vital part in delivering reliable information to the public. However, the outlook for survival of independent media is grim. Many media outlets worldwide are on the brink of bankruptcy due to the economic crisis, but also because of failure of traditional business models. Besides that access to information is increasingly restricted in many countries, resulting in journalists facing physical threats and prosecution. If we want to ensure the survival of independent journalism, we need to act now! We need to search for new moneymakers, captivating ideas, new solutions, and a positive vibe and energy. In this series we dive into the field with international journalists, photographers, filmmakers and scholars to speak about their emerging stories and the importance of journalism. Because especially in these uncertain and trans-formative times, reliable information and independent media are more important than ever.
In Mali, women are barely visible in the media. Of all the people appearing in TV news bulletins and newspaper columns – as journalists, presenters, and experts and witness who are interviewed – only 14 percent is female. In leadership positions too, women are conspicuous in their absence. The statistics shocked Tidiani Togola, the CEO of media development organisation Tuwindi, which carried out the study. With support from Free Press Unlimited, Tuwindi launched the Gender, Independence and Professionalism label (GIP label), a quality standard for media companies with a proven commitment to gender equality.
Janet Vaessen is director of WOMEN Inc., the network for women who want to strengthen themselves and each other. WOMEN Inc. helps women set goals, organizes guts and inspiration and facilitates women with the network they need to take the next step. After her master’s degree in history at the University of Amsterdam, Janet worked for ten years as an independent entrepreneur, program maker and TV producer. She has been managing WOMEN Inc. for ten years now.
