Women's forum examines media's gender biases in HK

Home>>Life

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Sunday, December 07, 2003

Women's forum examines media's gender biases in HK

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Representatives from women's groups, service agencies and interested members of the community shared their experience and exchanged views on gender biases or stereotyping in the media at an open forum Saturday.

Organized by the Women's Commission of Hong Kong, the forum "A Close-up on the Media through Gender Perspectives" was part of the commission's public education and gender mainstreaming programs in promoting greater gender sensitivity and awareness, as well as reducing gender stereotyping and prejudices against women.

The forum gave various sectors an opportunity to look into whether women have been presented in a biased manner in the media and advertisements, and the impact of such biases or misrepresentation on women and other sectors of the community.

Participants also discussed whether there is a need to initiate changes in the relevant sectors and organizations, and roles that different parties could play to address the issue.

Concerns have been expressed by non-governmental organizations from time to time regarding media programs, advertisements or news stories which portray women in a biased manner or use women in a commercial manner to attract attention and boost sales.

However, Chairperson of the Women's Commission Sophie Leung noted, "Any attempt to address this issue must be done with great care and sensitivity, with the preferred approach of public discussion and understanding of the issues involved," with regard to the importance of the freedom of the press and expression.

She also took the opportunity to call on all sectors and members of the community to reflect on the role they could play to help build a culture of mutual respect and independent judgment.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Commentary: Safeguard Women's Rights

Gender Imbalance Becomes Serious Problem in China

Gender imbalance prompts more care for girls in China

Bush strategy: Spend now, pay later? ( 4 Messages)

"Cross-Straits relations", key to break through Taiwan's economic predicament ( 2 Messages)

Reform the United Nations now: Commentary ( 4 Messages)

Economic exchanges lead Sino-India relations: Forum ( 3 Messages)

Iran poses test for newfound Western unity ( 3 Messages)

Power, water shortages feared to continue in China ( 4 Messages)