The Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications (AKU-GSMC) today launched its new its new policy brief on "The State of Women in Media." The event brought together various stakeholders, including policymakers, representatives from the State Department of Gender, civil society leaders, academics, and media professionals, for a roundtable discussion. The participants engaged in a crucial conversation on the persistent barriers women face in the media industry and explored recommendations to address gender gaps in the newsroom leadership, coverage, and framing.
This brief builds on a comprehensive 2024 report that exposed systemic inequalities, ingrained stereotypes, and structural obstacles that continue to impede women’s full participation in the media landscape. The brief provides actionable recommendations aimed at strengthening accountability, transforming organisational cultures, and building more inclusive and equitable media spaces.
Speakers at the launch acknowledged progress but warned that glaring gaps persist, especially in women’s representation in newsroom leadership. The discussion and actional insights were near unanimous that policies mean little without real change on the ground. The event and the policy brief emerged as a rallying point for stakeholders to push for stronger enforcement, regular monitoring, and closer collaboration between academia, policymakers, and the media industry.
Dean Nancy Booker of AKU-GSMC highlighted the school's mission to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact. "We cannot be content with policies that look good on paper," she stated. "What matters is how they reshape our institutions and influence everyday practices in newsrooms. This policy brief is not just a recommendation; it is a call to action for media leaders, journalists, and regulators to make gender responsive part of their lived reality." This statement encapsulates the institution's commitment to driving practical change through action and policy-oriented research.
Attendees expressed a collective sense of optimism that the policy brief would serve as a vital tool for advocacy and reform. AKU-GSMC has built a strong foundation to ensure that women in the media are not only present but also influential voices who shape narratives and lead the industry toward a more equitable future.
The Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications (AKU-GSMC) today launched its new its new policy brief on "The State of Women in Media." The event brought together various stakeholders, including policymakers, representatives from the State Department of Gender, civil society leaders, academics, and media professionals, for a roundtable discussion. The participants engaged in a crucial conversation on the persistent barriers women face in the media industry and explored recommendations to address gender gaps in the newsroom leadership, coverage, and framing.
This brief builds on a comprehensive 2024 report that exposed systemic inequalities, ingrained stereotypes, and structural obstacles that continue to impede women’s full participation in the media landscape. The brief provides actionable recommendations aimed at strengthening accountability, transforming organisational cultures, and building more inclusive and equitable media spaces.
Speakers at the launch acknowledged progress but warned that glaring gaps persist, especially in women’s representation in newsroom leadership. The discussion and actional insights were near unanimous that policies mean little without real change on the ground. The event and the policy brief emerged as a rallying point for stakeholders to push for stronger enforcement, regular monitoring, and closer collaboration between academia, policymakers, and the media industry.
Dean Nancy Booker of AKU-GSMC highlighted the school's mission to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact. "We cannot be content with policies that look good on paper," she stated. "What matters is how they reshape our institutions and influence everyday practices in newsrooms. This policy brief is not just a recommendation; it is a call to action for media leaders, journalists, and regulators to make gender responsive part of their lived reality." This statement encapsulates the institution's commitment to driving practical change through action and policy-oriented research.
Attendees expressed a collective sense of optimism that the policy brief would serve as a vital tool for advocacy and reform. AKU-GSMC has built a strong foundation to ensure that women in the media are not only present but also influential voices who shape narratives and lead the industry toward a more equitable future.
