IFJ, partners call for an end to “gender pay gap in journalism”

Dakar, Senegal (PANA) – A new report, jointly published by the global media rights body, International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), and WageIndicator, has called for an end to “persisting gender pay gap in journalism”, as the world celebrates this year’s “International Women's Day”, on 8 March.

IFJ and WageIndicator said their joint report, entitled "Decent Wage Campaign" on “Gender Pay Gap in Journalism” shows that women journalists continue to face persisting discrimination in wages and benefits.

Beth Costa, IFJ General Secretary, said: "The struggle for equality in media remains a reality," adding "Indications are that little progress has been made to end gender pay gap."

According to the report, women journalists are paid 17% less than their male colleagues in Europe, 9% less in former Soviet Union and 4% less in South America.

It continued to state that women journalists receive less employment benefits (such as health insurance, pension, and holiday allowance) which aggravate the inequality in wage levels.

As a result, women journalists are less satisfied with their jobs and working conditions.

The IFJ says more measures need to be introduced to end the gender pay gap, such as implementing pay audit, increasing flexible work, improving maternity and paternity rights, removing barriers to building seniority and promotion, and gender-aware collective bargaining.  

The report was launched in a bid to raise awareness among journalists of their rights to decent pay for their work and to decent working conditions.

WageIndicator is an independent, non-profit making foundation which aims at transparency in the labour market by sharing and comparing data through its network of national websites.
-0- PANA MLJ/VAO 7March2012