IAWRT Philippines brings situation of Filipino women, journalists to CSW68

As we commemorate Women’s Month, the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) Philippines is set to bring the situation of Filipino women and women journalists before the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) here at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

IAWRT Philippines is organizing “Our Stories, Our Struggles: Safety of Women in Media,” an in-person parallel event to be held at the Chapel of the Church Center of the United Nations on March 19, 2024, 10:30 a.m. EDT.

IAWRT Philippines hopes this platform can serve as a springboard for continuing discussions, actions, and research on the gendered experiences of women in media.

Just last week, two Filipino women journalists were harassed while covering the violent demolition of homes at a 73-hectare disputed land in the Philippines where approximately 2,000 residents or 535 families were affected. At gunpoint, one of the journalists was told to stop covering. This is usually how the lives of women journalists, and Filipino women as a whole, intersect. But fundamentally, their shared experiences go far beyond this.

Women in media do find common cause with the plight of the larger community of women in the country, as many are working with low pay, without benefits, and no hazard pay. They are also offered hardly any protection and safe reporting mechanisms from gender-based attacks in the course of their work, contributing to the stigma in seeking accountability from perpetrators.

The IAWRT Philippines event is co-organized with IAWRT, IAWRT USA, IAWRT Afghanistan, the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC), the Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law, and Development (APWLD), and Gabriela New York.

L-R: Janess Ann Ellao, Lynda Catindig-Garcia, Jola Diones-Mamangun and Therese San Diego Torres

Safety of women journalists discussed at the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women

Women’s rights activists joined the call to action, advocating the protection of women in media from politically motivated and gender-based attacks in the Philippines in the ongoing 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York.

“Women in media do find common cause with the plight of the larger community of women in the country, as many are working with low pay, without benefits, and no hazard pay. They are also offered hardly any protection and safe reporting mechanisms from gender-based attacks in the course of their work, contributing to the stigma in seeking accountability from perpetrators,” said Lynda Catindig-Garcia, chapter head of IAWRT Philippines.

During the event, IAWRT Philippines and the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) led the discussion on the safety of women in media, per the findings of their 2023 and 2024 research funded by International Media Support (IMS) and the British Embassy Manila through the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF), respectively.

Therese San Diego Torres, IAWRT Philippines secretary, said that while most of the journalists say that such threats and attacks have not prevented them from pursuing a story, “some admitted that there is indeed a chilling effect that may lead to self-censorship, as such experiences make them hesitate and think twice before pursuing or publishing a story.”

Torres, who also sits as Research, Policy, and Advocacy director of AIJC, said she was also able to interview journalists who prefer to cover war over politics because “they know where the bullets are coming from.”

(left to right) Edz Dela Cruz (Philippines), Najiba Ayubi (Afghanistan), Sheila Katzman (USA), Lynda Catindig-Garcia and Therese San Diego-Torres (Philippines).

Journalist Lady Ann Salem shared how the government wielded its power to silence women truth tellers in the Philippines. Meanwhile, multi-awarded television broadcast journalist Karen Davila, who is also the UN Women National Ambassador for Goodwill, shared how she was subjected to online harassment such as trolling under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

IAWRT Afghanistan chapter head Najiba Ayubi and IAWRT USA chapter head Sheila Katzman also shared how the Philippine experience resonates with theirs.

The in-person parallel event was held at the Chapel of the Church Center for the United Nations on March 19, 2024.

The co-organizers of the in-person parallel event are IAWRT, IAWRT USA, IAWRT Afghanistan, the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC), the Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law, and Development (APWLD), and Gabriela New York.

Festival Report Asian Women’s Film Festival, (19th Edition)

7-9th March 2024 at India International Centre, New Delhi

Organized by ‘International Association of Women in Radio & Television’ (IAWRT) – Chapter India

Supported by

Embassy of France in India; French Institut, India; Alliance Francaise, Delhi; Delhi Tourism; Shergill-Sundaram Arts Foundation; Breakthrough Trust; UN Women; Goethe -Max Mueller Bhawan Delhi; INKO Trust- Chennai

In collaboration with:

India International Centre, New Delhi

IAWRT Chapter India’s Asian Women’s Film Festival is the only Festival of it’s kind which celebrates the works of women (or those who identify as women) of Asian origin from across the world.

It is held each year to mark International Women’s Day and this years’ edition was the 19th edition!

  50 Films, across genre`s including fiction features, documentaries, shorts, animation, student and experimental films from 20 countries were screened over three days at the C. D. Deshmukh Auditorium, India International Centre, Main Block, including a specially curated section of short films from Iran. The auditorium was packed with media school students, general audiences, cinephiles, IIC and IAWRT members.

A seminar ‘The once and future of Documentary’ to initiate a conversation on archiving, at a time when everything has a digital afterlife with a spotlight on women films collectives, and a three day workshop ‘Balancing Acts’ –  on balancing storytelling and messaging for content creators from diverse backgrounds including young women from tribal areas, urban poor communities and film school students were also held. The workshops saw participation of members from Nepal as well.

A Masterclass with the highly acclaimed Palestinian Film maker Mai Masri from Lebanon and an upskilling session as a conversation on editing between Amrita David(France) and Jabeen Merchant(India) were much sought after sessions. 

A conversation on Gender, Consent and Law-  exploring consent in a holistic manner supported by UN Women and PLD was also organized. The session was conducted by Dr.Anjali Monteiro , IAWRT India and IAWRT International Board member

Interactive conversations on : Mainstreaming the Marginalized- film making in the time of OTT and Journeys of Diverse Practices, were held in the open under a Banyan Tree , in the Gandhi King Plaza ay India International Centre.Animated conversations amongst film makers and an invited audience ensured meaningful discussions.

The opening film ‘The Siren’ by Sepideh Farsi a French Persian production depicting the human cost of war, was a film especially important for our times. 

As always renowned film makers from all over the world and India were there to present their films and be present for Q&As post screenings. Including iconic names like  Mai Masri from Lebanon- who screened her film ‘Frontiers of Dreams and Feats.

Shin Su Won from South Korea who presented her film ‘Homage’ .

 Amrita David from  France screened her film  ‘Towards Tenderness’

Additionally, there were two exhibitions – Daastan e Rafoo by  Rafooghar and Let’s teach through Stories by Alka Hingorani member IAWRT Chapter India.

As a special treat Alliance Francaise New Delhi had organized an all women concert on the 9th of March at Stein Auditorium India Habitat Centre, to mark International Women’s Day which played to a full house!

We were fortunate to have Bina Paul, IAWRT Board member as our Festival Director for the 19th edition and Anitha Balachandran – Treasurer IAWRT Chapter India, for designing and illustrating all the artwork for the Festival. 

The Festival was formally inaugurated the 7th of March at a simple ceremony.

Shri. Emmanuel Lebrun-Damiens, Director French Institute, India was felicitated by Aaradhana Kohli, Managing Trustee IAWRT- Chapter India. He addressed the gathering on the occasion.

Juliette Grandmont was also felicitated for her contribution to the 19th edition of the Asian Women’s Film Festival.

Long time supporters and friends of IAWRT and the Asian Women’s Film Festival Suneeta Dhar, Dr Marla Stukenberg Regional Director South Asia (Goethe) , L.S. Tochhawng, Head Programme Division IIC were also felicitated.

The inauguration was followed by screening of the opening film and dinner which was attended by representatives from the US Embassy, French Embassy, Korean Cultural Centre, Skill India, Goethe, Shergill Sundaram Arts Foundation, India International Centre, Breakthrough Trust, UN Women, grassroots media women and IAWRT members from India, Nepal, and IAWRT India who was visiting from Hong Kong! Representatives from various women’s organizations amongst others added value to the occasion.

The India International Centre, New Delhi held a festive air as media practitioners, well known names from the film world and audiences young and old celebrated the moving image in all it’s avatars!

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Achieve gender equality, advance women’s rights

Statement on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2024

The International Association of Women in Radio and Television was born in 1951 to promote women’s voices and stories in media and women’s leadership in newsrooms and elsewhere. While women in the world have made great strides, some of our gains have been quickly eroded in the last few years by authoritarian regimes, wars and COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. After 72 years, IAWRT continues to campaign for gender equality and justice,  as we have yet to achieve this in many parts of the world.

In countries where our chapters and members are present, women in media experience various difficulties that hamper their progress and leadership:  

·  In Afghanistan, women journalists have been denied the right to practise their profession and are subject to violence from the Taliban. Many have been forced into hiding or into exile in other countries, to safeguard their lives. 

·  In the Philippines, women journalists are subjected to various state-sponsored attacks and threats such as raids and arrests, surveillance and online harassment. The youngest jailed journalist in the world, Frenchie Mae Cumpio, hails from this country. Several also experience sexual harassment in the workplace.

·  In Nepal, women journalists still face challenges in the workplace due to gender discrimination. The current global pandemic, COVID-19, has further exacerbated the challenges faced by women journalists. Many media organizations are facing financial constraints and job cuts, leading to an increase in joblessness among journalists, including women.

·  In India, women journalists and media persons face challenges to freedom of expression, including online attacks, state surveillance, and self-censorship by media houses.

These are the enormous odds we are up against. That’s why as an organization, we persist despite the difficulties we have faced in recent years. Our collective efforts and unity, our sisterhood and camaraderie, will surmount many obstacles in our quest for gender justice.

Women comprise half the world’s population but have not gotten the same share of the pie in most aspects of life. We echo the UN Women’s call this International Women’s Day (IWD) to “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.”

We join the world in celebrating International Women’s Day. We join hands with all our sisters as we continue to fight for our rights and for a world with gender equality.

68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)

Parallel Event on the Safety of Women Journalists

Our Stories, Our Struggles: Strengthening Safety Mechanisms for Women in Media

March 19, 2024, 10:30 a.m. Chapel of the Church Center for the United Nations (CCUN)

International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) Philippines

Background

The IAWRT chapter in the Philippines connects journalists, researchers, filmmakers and academics through training programs, research and publications, and different events that provide a venue for exchange and collaboration. The Philippine chapter is composed of female editors, journalists, journalism and communication educators, filmmakers and researchers from different parts of the country—a diverse community working toward addressing challenges faced by women in and around the media and maximizing opportunities for the development of the same. As of November 2023, IAWRT Philippines has over 55 active members from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

IAWRT Philippines has implemented and pioneered the Digital Safe House project, which connects women journalists under attack to relevant programs and services they need. The Philippine chapter also participated in the multi-stakeholder, participatory crafting of the Philippine Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists.

Parallel Event Overview

The 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), from March 11 to 22, 2024, follows the priority theme, “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective.” The session will also review the conclusions of the 63rd session, “Social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.” In line with these, IAWRT Philippines’ parallel event for the 68th Session of the CSW aims to contribute to the acceleration of the achievement of gender equality and empowerment of women, particularly those in the newsroom, by promoting the strengthening of institutions’ safety policies and mechanisms.

Aside from IAWRT Philippines, representatives from IAWRT Afghanistan and USA will share their stories too.

The parallel event will run for 90 minutes–from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon–on March 19, 2024, Tuesday. It will be held at the Chapel of the Church Center for the United Nations (CCUN), 777 United Nations Plaza corner of 44th Street and 1st Avenue.

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