Seminar "Gender and the Press"

On October 18th, a seminar on Gender and the Press was held at the United Nations building in Hanoi , to commemorate the founding anniversary of the Vietnam Women's Union (October 20th).

Delegates and journalists attend the Gender and Press Forum at the United Nations building on October 18. (Photo: PH)

The seminar "Gender and Journalism" was organized by the G4 group (Embassies of Canada, Norway, New Zealand, and Switzerland in Vietnam) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Women Journalists Club of the Vietnam Journalists Association .

The event provided a space for journalists and experts on gender and journalism in Vietnam and internationally to share knowledge, experiences, and perspectives.

Speaking at the seminar, Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hide Solbakken emphasized that gender equality is a human right and has been included in the United Nations' agendas on sustainable development. She mentioned the power of the press, including its ability to shape readers' perspectives on issues, including gender equality.

The Norwegian ambassador pointed out that when discussing women's appearance in the press, the focus is often on looks and clothing, whereas this is not typically the case in articles about men. All these gender stereotypes stem from societal attitudes toward gender inequality.

Therefore, the Norwegian Ambassador wishes to hear about the experiences of journalists in reporting on gender-based violence, raising awareness, and developing gender sensitivity among journalists covering this field... so that the press can use its power to promote gender equality.

Patrick Haverman, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Vietnam, also highlighted the role of the press in shaping perceptions and opinions, as well as empowering and inspiring the public. The press also plays a role in advocating for gender equality through balanced, gender-sensitive reporting on gender-related issues.

"The press plays a role as an agent of change; the choice of words and images used in articles can shape the progress toward gender equality," Patrick Haverman emphasized.

Tọa đàm 'Giới và báo chí - định hướng tiến trình hướng tới bình đẳng giới'

Dr. Minelle Mahtani shared her experience at the seminar. (Photo: Thanh Ha)

At the event, Dr. Minelle Mahtani from the University of British Columbia, Canada – a journalist and award-winning journalism teacher – shared experiences and best practices on international gender equality.

Minelle Mahtani argues that, "Journalists are the voice of the voiceless." Therefore, journalists need knowledge of gender issues, must be very careful when reporting on gender to attract the attention of the gender community, and must adopt an approach that ensures integrity, generosity, and discretion. An article about women "must speak about the essence of a woman, not just her outward appearance."

Dr. Minelle Mahtani shared that, in many Canadian newsrooms, although there are no specific codes of conduct for reporters covering gender issues, reporters are always trained and guided on how to interact with victims of gender-based violence. Victims of gender-based violence always require a gentle approach, empathy, sharing, listening, and understanding.

Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Shawn Steil believes that it is extremely important for journalists to have gender awareness when reporting. When exploring a social issue, in addition to seeking opinions from male experts, it is also crucial to seek opinions from female experts.

“As the Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam, my approach is also balanced; I frequently consult and exchange ideas with female experts when I want to learn about a particular field in Vietnam,” the Canadian Ambassador shared. According to Shawn Steil, such a balanced approach will enhance the voices of women not only in Vietnam but around the world .

At the seminar, female journalists from the Vietnam News Agency, Voice of Vietnam, and Hanoi Women's Newspaper shared their experiences and practical insights into reporting on gender issues in print and television in Vietnam.

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