In celebration of National Women's Month, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) officially sealed its partnership with the International Association of Women in Radio and Television-Philippines Chapter (IAWRT) aimed at enhancing the safety and empowerment of future women journalists and media workers, at the Mateo Conference Center on March 5.
(Photo by Paul Brian Bio/ The Communicator)
The event witnessed the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) by PUP Vice President for Research, Extension, and Development Dr. Anna Ruby Gapasin, together with PUP College of Communication (COC) Dean Dr. Hemmady S. Mora, and distinguished representatives from IAWRT, Philippines Chapter President Ms. Lynda Garcia and the International Board Acting President-Philippines Ms. Jola Diones Mamangun, in a gesture of commitment towards advancing the rights and opportunities for women in media.
The partnership offers opportunities, including membership, potential internship, and access to media practices. Moreover, it aims to reinforce the spotlight on women journalists, underscoring the collaborative efforts' commitment to amplifying their voices within the media landscape.
Surge Attacks on Women Journalists
The Women Press Freedom report on January 2024 revealed a concerning escalation in the global landscape for women journalists with a staggering 253% surge in violations compared to the previous year. This alarming trend emphasized the urgent need for enhanced protection of women journalists and acknowledged their vital role in fostering informed and democratic societies.
"We are critical of what is happening in Philippine media. The ABS-CBN shutdown, the women journalists, considering our youngest women journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio is behind bars." Garcia emphasized.
Cumpio, a Tacloban-based broadcast journalist, was one of the individuals dubbed the 'Tacloban 5' arrested on February 7, 2020. The arrest of Cumpio and her fellow activists has raised concerns about human rights violations and the state of press freedom in the region.
Efforts and initiatives to raise awareness
PUP and IAWRT Philippines agreed to collaborate on the Digital Safe House Project for Filipino Women Journalists and Butterfly Campaign.
The project is a collaboration platform that serves as a sanctuary for women journalists facing risks. Along with the Butterfly Campaign, which seeks to raise awareness about gender-based and politically motivated attacks, it draws on the lack of systems in newsrooms to address such concerns.
"Hindi rason ang pagiging babae, ang pagiging bata para hindi makapag-report [..] at [mag-]cover ng istorya." Dr. Gapasin explained.
Director of the PUP Gender and Development Office Mr. Jerome Permejo highlighted the university's endeavors towards women's empowerment, particularly emphasizing programs tailored for the Women's Month celebration, including the first PUP Women's Forum expected to happen on March 20.
Through joint forces, PUP and IAWRT Philippines reaffirmed their dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable media landscape where women's voices and contributions are valued and protected.
Article: Hanah Coleen Reformado
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