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---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: IGC News Desk <newsdesk@igc.apc.org>

/* Written 10:01 AM  Nov 18, 1994 by
 African_NGO_Foru@p16.f1.n7711.z5.gnfido.fidonet.o in igc:women.unwcw */
/* ---------- "Dakar: South Africa Media Statement" ---------- */

CONTRIBUTION OF SOUTH AFRICA TO THE AFRICAN PLATFORM OF ACTION

THE STATUS OF THE MEDIA: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Although the media is male-controlled, the majority of
journalists are women. But decision-making remains in the hands
of men.

Issues affecting women have tended to be marginalised in special
sections and pages and focused on traditional and domestic roles.
In addition, the portrayal of women has often been disparaging
and/or demeaning.

Nevertheless, with the growing number of women in leaderships in
the new South Africa, there is tacit acknowledgement that women
make up at least 50 percent of readers and that their special
interests and needs should be addressed.

The growth of community newspapers - more than 300 at present -
has provided women with a voice about grassroots issues.
Glossy women's magazines, which are highly sophisticated, have
tended to focus on glamour and achievers, but these, too, are
becoming aware of real issues.

Radio, too, a powerful and widespread medium, has reflected this
same bias, although 80 percent of listeners are women.
Television, in South Africa since 1975, also reflects a rose-
tinted view of women, though this, too, is changing. But women
leaders and opinion-makers are still marginalised when it comes
to commenting on issues.

The new Women's Charter for Effective Equality addresses this
issue in Article 12.

RECOMMENDATIONS

With the growing awareness of women's rights and issues in the
media, women should speedily capitalise on this. Now is the time
to be pro-active in informing the media of issues that need to
be exposed and reported. It is also the time to be loudly
critical of anything that portrays women in a negative light.
Editors have thinner skins that is generally believed!
Make contact with journalists involved in improving the reporting
of women's issues. Communication could also be enhanced by the
use of workshops.

THE ROAD FORWARD

1.  An awareness campaign amongst women on how to make best use
of the media;

2.  Organising workshops on how to access the media and promote
the cause of women;

3.  Increasing the lobby for community radio services to empower
illiterate and grassroots women.  The plight of rural women needs
much more media exposure and attention and can be best addressed
through radio.

4. There is a vital need for an organisation of concerned women
in the media who are committed to change. This could provide a
powerful network for the benefit of all women and should be
supported.

CONCLUSION

Without women's equality in the media, at all levels, the road
to empowerment will always be elusive. The media is a powerful
tool for change and should be grasped with enthusiasm and
alacrity. (Compiled by Thandi Bengu, Amanda Botha and Jill
Gowans)

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 * Origin: African NGO Forum, Dakar, Senegal (5:7711/1.16)