Beijing+20 in the eyes of the media
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Author: E. Enerel
The issue of Women and the Media is one of the twelve critical areas of concern in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. In the Asia and the Pacific region only 25 per cent of journalists are women, and only one of the leaders of media organizations is a woman. In Mongolia, over 70 per cent of employees in this sector are women and almost 80 per cent of daily newspapers have women editors-in-chief.
But we do still have issues of gender inequality in our country, in terms of violations of the fundamental Human rights of women and girls. Over 70 per cent of women are affected by gender violations in some way in their lifetime, for example, psychological pressure, economic and other discrimination, and frequent domestic and sexual violence. There is also research showing that boys raised in families with violence grow up to be potential violators, i.e. they are three times more likely to be than those raised in peaceful families. Hence, it can be said that inappropriate family relations and violence between parents can produce future violators.
These and other issues were discussed at the regional training under the theme ‘Youth Engagement and Gender Responsive Advocacy’ in Bangkok from 15 to 21 November, 2014. I was one of 27 journalists from 20 countries across Asia Pacific. The training was organized within the framework of the Beijing+20 Regional Review Conference, by UN Women and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Another major issue discussed was Women in power and decision-making. One of the most important criteria used by gender equality specialists is women’s participation in legislative organs. This issue is not simply about increasing the number of female Members of Parliament (MPs): it is more concerned with achieving full gender equality, which is the basis for ensuring progress and good governance. In 17 countries of Asia and the Pacific, women’s representation in parliament is less than 10 per cent, and in 20 countries it is between 10 to 20 per cent. In Mongolia there were only 3 percent of women in the previous parliament, while currently there are 14 per cent, putting Mongolia among the 20 countries. The overall ratio of employment by gender is 100:62, in favour of men.
These and many other issues in the countries of Asia and the Pacific, which need to be addressed during the Beijing+20 Events, were discussed by participants at the preparatory events. This year is a historic opportunity to discuss what has been achieved since the Beijing Declaration on Women was adopted 20 years ago and what needs to be done in the next 20 years. The past 20 years have been the most notable in terms of progress and achievements in women’s rights. This is clearly the result of the dedicated work conducted by women’s organizations and non-governmental and civil society organizations (NGO/CSOs) around the world.
An important organization in Mongolia is the Liberal Women’s Brain Pool (LEOS), one of the first women’s NGOs in Mongolia. For example, in the comedy show ‘Batzaya and his friends’, when his wife brought up a critical issue of women’s right and justice, a husband asks: “Hey, what happened to you? Did you join the LEOS?” This example highlights how the LEOS has been in the vanguard of women’s rights and gained acceptance among the public. In 1996, there were five LEOS members elected as MPs, and the organization played a critical role in bringing women to legislative and decision-making positions. The organization also has a long history of experience and is currently implementing the project ‘Women’s Leadership in National Development’ with support from UN Women’s Fund for Gender Equality.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR | |
Ms. E. Enerel is a national journalist for the DNN Newspaper in Mongolia , who participated in the regional media training as the representative of her country. Ms. Enerel’s involvement was possible thanks to the support of the UN Women and UNFPA Asia Pacific Regional Offices and the UN Women's Fund for Gender Equality. |
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