TEHRAN, 25 January 2010 (UNIC)—United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI) will hold an online discussion on “Women and the Media” with the aim of providing a platform for sharing views and experiences on women’s participation in media, and for identifying challenges and future action from 1 to 28 February 2010.

Women and the Media" is one of a series of online discussions being held to mark the 15 years since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action, the outcome of the historic Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995. A review of what has been achieved since Beijing, and discussion of further action on the recommendations made 15 years ago will take place at UN Headquarters in New York during the 54th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, from 1 to 12 March this year.  

The "Women and the Media" discussion will be available at: http://tiny.cc/beijing15womenmedia

Discussion topics will be as follows:

Week One – 1 to 7 February: Achieving gender equality in media organizations through adequate policies

Week Two – 8-14 February: Addressing the gender gap (Equal Jobs – Equal Pay) – Women working in the media

Week Three – 15-21 February: Portrayal of women in media and gender stereotyping

Week Four – 22-28 February: Violence against women journalists and any other issues; and wrap-up and recommendations.

All are welcome to participate, including journalists, NGO representatives, students and academics.