Q: Why do you believe a project like this is needed?
VO: Well, one doesn’t need to go very far to realize that women’s status in the news industry has not evolved at the same pace as male professionals in the industry. Although accurate data is lacking to confirm the tendency, despite being as industrious and competent as any male colleague, female professionals are still assigned to topics that male professionals refuse to cover, as well as being looked down on by male journalists when “invading” their territory. Additionally, senior jobs in the media sector are, by and large, still reserved to a handful of male professionals, making the case even harder for female journalists to climb their way to the top. Furthermore, whereas grey-haired wrinkly male newsreaders, are synonymous with maturity and professionalism, several incidents worldwide involving female newsreaders have also sparked accusations of ageism in the broadcasting company.
It seems crystal clear that female news professionals still face serious obstacles to stand out in a predominantly male-based industry. The opportunity for women to pursue careers, attain economic independence and accomplish their capacity on an equal basis with their male counterparts has so far been one of the greatest achievements of contemporary society, and we have got to keep this accomplishment alive. We need to do our utmost to ensure that such attainment is respected in newsrooms worldwide. As Margaret Gallagher’s An Unfinished Story has revealed, gender equity in the news room is still an unaddressed issue.
Q: What impact do you think this project will have?
VO: My deepest hope is that the project raises awareness of the gender inequality issue in the work force, especially the news industry. Surely the data gathered by the report will contribute to knowledge about women’s status in journalism. Furthermore…by gathering data in several nations worldwide, the project will offer a golden opportunity to add to gender equality by creating a very accurate database, thus supplying news employers with valuable advice/data on how to make sure that female professionals are offered the same opportunities…as their male professionals. This project will hopefully accelerate the journey to the day when newswomen-run companies will be commonplace rather than an exception.
Q: What prepared you to oversee the research for your area of the world?
VO: Being a journalist from Brazil myself, one of the most male-dominated news industries in South America, gender equality within the news industry is a topic certainly close to my heart. I am a courageous gender equality champion who thoroughly believes that granting women decision-making jobs in the media sector is not only a right but rather a matter of democracy. Having been living in the United Kingdom for the past four years, I have had the opportunity to do media work for political organizations ranging from UK Youth Parliament to Liberal International. Such experiences provided me with an insight into the workings of the British media scene.
Furthermore, having just completed a master’s degree in political communications, I have valuable experience in information gathering, having done my own research for my dissertation. Being involved in this project will certainly improve my management and research skills… Germany was also chosen by me due to my deep interest in one of the biggest and most complex media industries in Europe.