Women in Media Show Their Strength
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15 December 2018 10:05 WIB
Empowering women in these fields not only provides long-term benefits on the quality of journalism produced but improves the economic performance of the company, says Executive Director of the Indonesian Business Coalition for Women Empowerment Maya Juwita.
“Research shows that having gender balance in managerial positions has a positive impact for a company, in terms of productivity and financial growth”.
A study by Global Financial Consultants MSCI shows the direct link between female representation in corporate fields and overall productivity. Women in positions of power within the MSCI World Index companies generated a return of equity of 10.1 percent as opposed to 7.4 percent for those without strong female representation.
But how will representation of the genders finally become equal in newsrooms?
A Magdalene magazine writer prepares to record a podcast at KBR Radio. Photo by Mikaela Southey
Tandililing believes a resounding solution to the issue is clear: education. “Through education, we can see something that we’ve never seen before.... We can learn what we’ve never known.”
Mahrina says media companies should instigate standards around sexism in the workplace. “It’s the company’s responsibility to have awareness first about gender equality, then they have to make a rule for the values about that.”
This kind of corporate responsibility can be seen in the office culture of VICE Indonesia.
VICE Indonesia’s declaration about its office culture is placed prominently in its lobby. Photo provided by VICE Indonesia’s Ananda Badudu
Until education is increased, breaking the glass ceiling as a female journalist may seem impossible, says Mahrina.
Yet there are still women who believe the power of their skill can and will always outweigh the misogynistic history of the media industry.
Ulfa has no doubt the stereotypes and stigmas of women in media will not impede on her experience in the field. “I know that it’s not right because I know I have the capability to prove it, that I have the skill,” she says of climbing the ladder as a female journalist.
Hera Diani records a podcast at KBR Radio station. Photo by Mikaela Southey
Tandililing is hopeful for the future of journalism: “We are now facing a very open and equal workplace, especially in media. You can explore everything; you can get the same chance as a man like we’ve never had before.”
Eden Boyd | Mikaela Southey | Arianne | Walmond
Eden Boyd and Mikaela Southey visited Jakarta with the support of the Australian Government's New Colombo Plan mobility program.