media | changing attitudes

Changing attitudes and numbers: Women in politics and the media

A presentation for the Pacific Regional Workshop on Advancing Women’s Representation in Parliaments

• -- by Lisa Williams-Lahari,  SPC Women’s Communications Officer

The media informs and shapes voter opinions on women AND politics, and women IN politics.

The lack of media attention debating women’s contributions and potential, leads to a lack of ‘constituency’ for women in leadership

International trends:

> Strategic responses to women and media issues via BPA
> Strategic responses to women in politics and media issues via IPU
> Research on mainstream coverage

Regional trends:

> Media and ICTs now join leadership on PPA critical concerns list
> Media focus: campaigns vs. news
> Lack of research, but Pacific GMMP results reflect global trend

Bridge-building women in politics and media, Cook Islands style:

i.)  Media, women and politics: a politicians view
ii.) Women, politics and media:  a media view
iii.) Media, campaign advocacy and the voter mindset