Only 27 per cent of media workforce is female in Middle East and Arab world

Female journalists from 15 journalists unions across the Middle East and the Arab World gathered in Al Manama-Bahrain this weekend, calling for better equality in the region.

A new study, launched at the three day meeting, shows that 27 per cent of the workforce in media outlets over 14 countries in the region are women and women make up only 21 per cent of the union membership - despite the high rates of women who graduate from media schools.

The International Federation of Journalists' latest regional study [not yet available online] gives "alarming figures on women's presence in the media", the organisation said. The Bahrain meeting has decided to prioritise two aims: to recruit more women and promote their presence in the unions; and to design a regional Code of Conduct about the portrayal of women in the media.

"It is inspiring to see women journalists in the region stand up for their rights," said Sarah Bouchetob, IFJ projects and campaigns officer for the Middle East and the Arab World. "The time has come for politicians, media owners and journalists' unions to take their responsibilities in the struggle for equality in the region."

Yesterday the status of women in the workplace was scrutinised the world over, as part of International Women's Day activity and events.

Speaking last week, IFJ general secretary Aidan White said the situation for female media workers is "deplorable". "Media organisations remain dominated by men the world over. Women must be given equal access to leadership. When that happens it will create a sea change in the news agenda and the way media professionals are treated."

• See Journalism.co.uk International Women's Day comment at this link.

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