SWAKOPMUND - There is a notable increase in women taking up decision making positions in the media sector of Namibia, however, notable gender gaps still exist in the sector as women are under represented in employment and managerial positions at media houses.
The gender equality deputy minister Bernadette Jagger made this observation during the International Women’s Day commemoration yesterday in Swakopmund’s DRC location.
The international day is commemorated this year under the theme: ‘DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality’. It coincides with the upcoming 67th session of the commission on the status of women (CSW-67), which is ‘Innovation and Technological Change’.
Jagger who addressed hundreds of women at the event said 64% of media students are women; women constitute 40% of all media practitioners, while only 34% are managers at media houses.
She said this clearly shows that women are under represented in employment and managerial positions in media houses. Oddly, eight female journalists and four male journalists covered the event in Swakopmund.
According to her, gender stereotypes, discrimination and sexual abuse are some of the barriers that female media practitioners also still face in the information and communication technology industry.
Also speaking at the event, Erongo governor Neville Andre said it is time to give recognition to women who have excelled in various spheres.
Given the theme of the commemoration, he said women and girls remain underrepresented across the creation, use and regulation of technology.
“They are less likely to use digital services or enter tech-related careers, and significantly more likely to face online harassment and violence. The choices we make today will profoundly affect our path forward. Everything starts with a woman. Life starts with a
woman. The greatest love of all starts with her. Appreciating and loving everything that women give us every day is our duty,” he said.
The governor then highlighted the fact that women from all generations have been part of Namibia’s struggle and have made significant contributions to our nation’s freedom, democracy and development.
“International Women’s Day is, therefore, an opportunity to assess how far we have come in advancing gender equality across all spheres of society, and on what more needs to be done to give effect to the rights of women and girls worldwide,” he said.
- edeklerk@nepc.com.na