|
Manama: The UAE has called for regular discussion of the situation of women in the media in order to promote social and cultural awareness about the need to improve it.
The recommendation was included in a paper presented by the UAE at the three-day conference of the Arab Women's Organisation which concludes in Bahrain today.
"We have noted that the issue of women and the media is addressed only on specific occasions despite the long-lasting negative approaches to the characterisation of women in the media and the limits imposed on women keen on assuming more active roles in this field," said the paper prepared by the dean of communication at the University of Sharjah, Dr Mohammad Ayyash.
A durable solution to the under-representation of women in the field should be the reinforcement of laws supporting the rights of women and improving their image, the paper suggested.
The study also recommended that media establishments offer a better treatment of women and a more balanced approach that did not resort to the trite clichés of sensation and excitement currently associated with their image.
The report which assesses the women-media rapport since the holding of a forum on the issue in Abu Dhabi in February 2002, deplored the lack of opportunities for more advanced positions in decision-making circles.
"We have noted that women still stand at the bottom of professional schemes in the media, with their roles confined to technical and editorial positions. There is no opportunity for an advanced role within the decision-making circles," according to the report.
But the paper lauded efforts by the UAE television media to highlight the status of national women as they adapt to the requirements of modern life and the contributions of the print media as they address the issues and challenges that women face in the UAE.
"Our conclusion is that the media message is positive about women in the UAE and shows that they can confidently confront problems and deal with challenges," the paper said.
|
