Miami (November 22, 2023) – Roberto Rock, President of the Inter American Press Association (IAPA), reiterated his commitment to the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of all individuals and announced that the Gender Equity and Diversity Commission will be led by journalist Martha Ramos.
Ramos, national editorial director of the Organización Editorial Mexicana (OEM, in Spanish), has been chairing the Inclusion and Diversity Commission since October 2022, now named the Gender Equity and Diversity Commission.
"The Commission will continue its effort to promote diversity and inclusion in the media, a commitment we will uphold to ensure the rights of women and LGBTQ+ individuals are respected, given the increasing adverse conditions they face," said Ramos.
During the IAPA General Assembly in Mexico City, Ramos moderated the panel "Addressing the Gender Agenda in a Polarized Society," featuring Mariana Alvarado from the Network for Diversity in Latin American Journalism, Mexico; Gabriela Cañas with the Spanish news agency EFE, and Gabriela Vivanco from La Hora newspaper, Ecuador.
The participants agreed that the advancement of women in decision-making positions in the media has been slowed. They highlighted that it is important to consider women in the editorial agenda because they represent 50 percent of content consumers. They concluded that speaking to everyone is essential in a highly polarized society.
Rock, editor of the digital media outlet La Silla Rota in Mexico, assured that the organization will maintain the goal set since last year "to promote forums for education and discussion on equity and gender perspective, aimed at reducing discrimination in the press and media."
IAPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to defending and promoting freedom of the press and expression in the Americas. It comprises more than 1,300 publications from the western hemisphere and is based in Miami, Florida, United States.
