IAWRT will launced a new book on the history of the radio and TV association at its Biennial Conference in Cambodia in November.
The book Voices/Pictures: The Story of the International Association of Women in Radio and Television tells the story of the organisation and its members over more than 50 years.
From the association's first tentative emergence in 1949 from the rubble of the post-War world, through its inauguration as IAWRT in 1957 with the inclusion of television members, the book tells a fascinating story from the very earliest days to the modern era.
Current IAWRT President Olya Booyar said: "We hope readers can hear in its pages the voices of those early pioneers, hundreds of talented, energetic women who gave their time voluntarily to improve the life of women in the electronic media and - through their reports, documentaries and films - help people throughout the world to share their own stories and better their own lives."
She said Voices/Pictures had been produced by many of IAWRT's members, again giving of their time and their expertise to lay bare the story of the association.
"We are proud of what we've achieved over 50 years and we are not precious about lessons learned, so these too are on its pages, the good as well as the not-so-good, our successes as well as our occasional lapses."
She said IAWRT was an organisation of women deeply committed to making radio and television programs and films about the world, especially the people who need assistance and can benefit from its members' expertise.
"I hope the book reflects that dedication to justice and truth, both in the frank and honest way we tell our stories and in the stories themselves.
"As well as commemorating the work of our early pioneers and current members, we offer this book in thanks to those women and men who have joined us on the journey to-date and as a welcome to those who wish to walk with us as we set out on the second half of our century."
IAWRT is a forum for personal contact and professional development among women broadcasters and documentary-makers worldwide. It is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) with consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
With more than 320 members in 65 countries throughout the world, its aim is to make women visible in the media and to reflect a balanced perspective in film, television and radio stories made about women. It also arranges international conferences with workshops, screenings, lectures, training and professional networking.
The forward is available here for download and to download the rest of the book - please contact us.
