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PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
August 2005
“Facing the Future: Media Women Count” is
the theme of the IAWRT conference 2005 at
Williamsburg.
Widening the frame the gender issues are
looking at identity, cultural capacities,
cultural diversity, human rights and
democratization of media. The new mantra is
ICT and its influence on the freedom of
expression through people’s participation.
Overall, democracy and freedom dominate the
discourse among journalists. Studies of
media ecology show the absence of minorities
and the growing movement of citizens’ new
relationship with media. In our conference,
we will take stock of the contributions of
women media professionals and develop a new
strategy and share experiences to further
the cause of women.
The complementary theme of the IAWRT
television and radio programs festival,
“Living the Dream: Women Empower” will
explore the visions of women for creating a
more humane world. This year’s award will be
dedicated to Mette Jansen who viewed the
world with optimism and who guided the IAWRT
competition through its inception. We urge
you to bring your programs and enter the
competition as we find this a great learning
opportunity. This year too, as in the past,
the jury will analyze and guide the
discussion for greater participation and
learning.
Parallel workshops and personal meetings
provide members an opportunity to share
ideas and problems. Members report that
friendships established during the informal
meets are enduring and benefit them
professionally. With an active website we
have more enquiries for information and
participation. Members travelling are able
to connect with the members whose e-mail ids
are updated and this again has been an
enriching experience. Following the
recommendations of IAWRT evaluation
committee we will provide an opportunity
during the conference to members to suggest
how we can strengthen the organization to
serve the members better.
The scholarship programme, training material
development, country activities and the
violence against women project has
strengthened the network and members feel
involved. The Asian women filmmakers
documentary festival is now in the calendar
and we hope we can get members to showcase
the festival in other regions. I do believe
we have come a long way and we can only grow
with the contribution from the members.
Don’t forget this is an election year so
send in your nominations as your vote will
count.
Jai Chandiram |
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