WHEREAS, on International Women's Day, the IAPA recognized the contributions made by women journalists across the Americas, and warned that many of them face adverse conditions and put their dignity and lives at risk.
WHEREAS, women journalists suffer attacks related to stereotypes and gender roles, and seven out of ten experienced online violence in 2020 - according to Unesco.
WHEREAS, progress has been made in women's participation in newsrooms and executive leadership positions, although efforts to promote diversity in editorial, directorial and managerial areas must be further advanced.
WHEREAS, the initiatives of some media outlets to apply gender perspective to content are valuable - appointing editors with a focus on gender equity and violence against women, and programs have been implemented to achieve equity in various work areas, guidelines for non-sexist language and the suppression of stereotypes.
WHEREAS, the media should play a positive role in ending prejudices and biased attitudes toward women in society, and in promoting their right to a life free of violence and discrimination.
WHEREAS, the Chapultepec and Salta declarations reaffirm that the rights related to freedom of speech and freedom of the press must be equally guaranteed to all in both the digital and traditional environments.
THE IAPA MID-YEAR MEETING RESOLVES
To condemn the cases of women journalists who are victims of violence for exercising their right to free speech.
To request media companies to eliminate all types of gender distinctions in terms of benefits and rights, improve protocols against sexual harassment in the workplace and ensure a harassment-free environment, as well as to guarantee the safety of women journalists through self-protection manuals and specialized training.
To urge all nations, the journalistic community and the media throughout the continent to act within the scope of the current debate, which is opening a new agenda aimed at respecting women's rights in all areas.
