Seminar "Gender and the Press"

On October 18, at the United Nations Building in Hanoi , a Gender and Press Dialogue took place, on the occasion of the anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam Women's Union (October 20).

Delegates and reporters attending the World and Press Dialogue at the United Nations Building, October 18. (Photo: PH)

The seminar “Gender and the Press” 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 created a space for journalists and experts on gender and journalism in Vietnam and internationally to share knowledge, experience and perspectives.

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

The Norwegian Ambassador pointed out the fact that when it comes to women’s appearance in the media, the focus is often on appearance and clothing, while this is not something that is often mentioned in articles about men. All these gender stereotypes are rooted in societal ideas about gender inequality.

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

Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Viet Nam Patrick Haverman also highlighted the role of the media in shaping perceptions and attitudes, as well as empowering and inspiring the public. The media also plays a role in helping to fight for gender equality, through balanced, gender-sensitive reporting on gender-related issues.

“The press plays an agent of change, and the choice of words and images used in journalism can shape progress towards gender equality,” Mr. Patrick Haverman emphasized.

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

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

At the event, Dr. Minelle Mahtani, University of British Colombia, Canada - award-winning journalist and journalism teacher shared experiences and good practices on international gender equality.

“Journalists are the voices of the voiceless,” said Minelle Mahtani. “Therefore, journalists need to be knowledgeable about gender, be very careful when reporting on gender issues to attract the attention of gender, and have an approach that ensures integrity, generosity, and care. An article about women “must talk about the nature of women rather than the appearance of that woman.”

Dr. Minelle Mahtani shared that in many newsrooms in Canada, although there are no rules for reporters when working on gender aspects, however, reporters are always trained and guided when dealing with characters who are victims of gender violence. Victims of gender violence always need a soft approach, empathy, sharing, listening and understanding.

Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Shawn Steil said that it is extremely important for journalists to understand gender when reporting news. When exploring a certain topic in society, in addition to accessing opinions from male experts, accessing opinions from female experts is also very important.

“In my work as the Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam, my approach is also balanced, I also regularly consult and discuss with female experts when I want to learn about a certain field in Vietnam,” the Canadian Ambassador shared. According to Mr. Shawn Steil, if I have such a balanced approach, it will enhance the voice of women not only in Vietnam but all over the world .

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

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