Dr. Wajiha Raza Rizvi, Associate Professor Beaconhouse National University and Co-Chair, GENDER AND COMMUNICATION SECTION, International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR)  organized an International Women’s Day seminar with international participation of 8 speakers from USA, UK, Australia, Spain, Brazil, Lebanon, UAE, India and Pakistan on March 08, 2022. BS Film Theory & Criticism students attended the online session. Professor Dr. Ambrish Saxena of Delhi Metropolitan University and Dr. Rizvi moderated the session. 

The Webinar hosted two UNESCO members, phenomenal academics and filmmakers including two Hollywood filmmakers from Canada and Spain.

Dr. Ambrish Saxena is
Professor and Dean, DME Media School, Delhi Metropolitan Education (DME)
Vice President, Global Media Education Council (GMEC)
Member, International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR)
Director, DME Studios and Production
Director, International Collaborations
Director, IQAC, Delhi Metropolitan Education
Convener, DME NAAC Committee
Chief Editor, MediaSpace, research journal of DME Media School
Consulting Editor, DME Media School Fortnightly Newsletter
Convener, International Media Conference – ICAN
Festival Director, Cineaste International Film Festival – CIFF

CONCEPT NOTE

Delhi Metropolitan Education, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi, India
GENDER AND COMMUNICATION SECTION of International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR)
DME Media School, Delhi Metropolitan Education (DME) and GENDER AND COMMUNICATION SECTION, International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR) present INSPIRING WOMEN - GLOBAL FACES On International Women’s Day 2022
GENDERED MEDIA SPACE: SHATTERING THE GLASS SCREEN
March 8, 2022 at 8 PM IST/2.30 PM UTC

This world has always been having little space for women whether inside home or out on the street or even at workplace. With democratization process getting an impetus in the post-colonial era and constitutional democracies of newly independent countries of Asia and Africa striving for creating a society free from discrimination, there has been an acknowledgement of space for women in society. Since the second half of the 20th century both the developed and developing societies have come a long way in providing that space to women to which they are entitled as human beings. Still, there is a long way to go for elimination of discrimination and oppression of women and ensuring them a guarantee for emancipation at home and empowerment at workplace.

Breaking the Glass Screen

Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit somewhere between working from home, working on the frontline, or not working at all, #MeToo has been forgotten and the economic and social status of women has been setback significantly. Additionally, according to UN Women, the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed 96 million people into extreme poverty, 47 million of whom are women of all age.

Women, especially those identified as a racial and ethnic minority, are now balancing childcare responsibilities, managing household stresses and handling office responsibilities during an economic downturn. Navigating the spike in gender/domestic violence is another challenge that has been thrown on these women. Not to mention job losses have cut dramatically deeper for women, and recovery is slow. The pandemic has set women back with lifetime consequences and in the wake of inadequate action, this situation may further go worse.

Most women, especially religious, ethnic and linguistic minorities, although more qualified than their counterparts, experience job insecurity and vulnerability in a men’s world. The glass ceiling which was traditionally defined as a barrier that prohibits women from advancing toward the top of a hierarchical corporation has now adopted new meanings. It has today evolved and invaded our homes by reaching the digital screens. This webinar aims to debunk the shift in feminism and breaking the glass screen.

Gendered Media Space

In a study by Mckinsey & Company completed in 2020 after 5 years of hard work, it was found that women are well engaged in media industry though this engagement varies from country to country. The study shows that despite corporate America’s greater emphasis on gender equity, women in media profession endure a more toxic work environment than males and a glass barrier that hinders them from ascending to top leadership positions.

Like in other sectors, women in media face significant obstacles. Developments in women’s position and involvement in the media worldwide as well as their image in the media have been gradual but noticeable. The analysis also discovered that media material specially portrayal of girls and women, continues to be primarily patriarchal, gender insensitive, and occasionally violates the rights of consumers as also media duty and accountability.

In the media of developing countries, both India and Pakistan included, the number of females in decision-making positions has increased over the years, though their numbers remain poor, particularly compared with male peers. Gender balance in leadership, decision-making and governance procedures is critical for advancing gender equality and empowering women yet simultaneously enhancing business performance.

Despite advancements for women in media practice and media management, the “broken rung” has remained a significant impediment for the last two years. Media sector has failed in bridging the gender divide, particularly during the pandemic period. The statistics are often similar when looking at the global ratio of women to men worldwide. The continuous coverage gap results from the media’s obsession with leaders at the expense of everyone else and the well-known ‘glass ceiling’, which prevents working women from advancing to leadership roles.

This webinar wandered through gendered media space to find out the magnitude of the shattered glass screen.