UNESCO engages private broadcasters in gender equality and Zika virus prevention campaign

12 May 2016

typhoon_haiyan_philippines_2.jpg

© International Organization for Migrants

In times of emergency, media has the ability to raise awareness of the greatest number of people in the quickest possible manner. Radio, especially, helps disseminate messages to affected communities and contributes to the impact that humanitarian organizations can have on the ground. Gender equality in both media operations and content is essential to empower women, which are particularly vulnerable during crisis situations. UNESCO continues to be on the forefront of the drive for gender equality. This commitment is at the heart of Gender-Sensitive Indicators for Media (GSIM). Also, following the recent Zika virus outbreak in Latin America and the Caribbean, UNESCO, in collaboration with International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), produced copyright-free radio spots on Zika prevention in order to carry out a joint campaign to address this issue.

In recognition of its work on media development, UNESCO was invited to give a presentation on the GSIM and the information campaign on Zika virus prevention, together with IFRC, during the Executive Board meeting of the International Association of Broadcasting (IAB). The aim of this presentation is to engage media outlets in the promotion of gender equality and women empowerment in and through media, and also in effectively informing their audiences during crisis situations, such as the Zika virus outbreak. Mr. Ignacio Cancino (UNESCO) and Mr. Pabel Angeles (IFRC) will address these topics during the meeting.

The meeting will take place in Lima, Peru, on 12 May 2016 and will gather around 30 executives of private media organizations and associations. IAB is an organization which groups private associations of radio and television, as well as individual members, in different countries and regions, representing over 17.000 private stations. The organization is an important partner for UNESCO to foster the collaboration of broadcasters in public interest and social service activities.