"This practical guide on gender sensitivity and inclusivity is designed specifically with the working journalist in mind and to prompt the practitioner to make conscious decisions about the use of words and visuals as a means of enhancing professionalism. In our everyday life, we encounter countless ... examples of gender stereotypes which often do inadvertently get mainstreamed and perpetuated by the news media, through poor language and image use, contributing to continuing discrimination. Many stereotypical social constructs get ‘normalized’ when the media perpetuates and sometimes ends up amplifying the same. For example, men are often described as heroes and epitomes of strength, with specific characteristics attributed to them. Similarly, women are regularly portrayed as weak and in need of male protection. We are constantly ‘programmed’ to ‘accept’ soldiers and freedom fighters to be men. Women on the other hand are often viewed as victims – of war, drought or epidemic – and as disempowered individuals who are meant for ‘softer’ jobs and needing ‘protection." (Preface, page 46) more

"The Myanmar media industry reflects global trends to the extent that women are strongly represented in newsrooms in terms of numbers but media institutions remain significantly male-dominated at the decision making level. Safety is a major concern for women media professionals within the workplace ... as well as on their assignments. Prejudice, discrimination in participation of advanced training (safety etc.) and sexual harassment are obstacles that hinder women from working on equal footing with men. A majority of women journalists’ careers appeared to end with marriage and/or childbirth. A majority of the respondents agreed that re-entry after childbirth was difficult for women journalists." (Key findings, page 7-8) more

"Although female media practitioners are well-represented in newsrooms making up for over 50% of staff on average, media institutions remain male dominated on levels of decision making. This results in two main challenges for women within the industry: a lack of opportunity to advance their careers ... and an absence of institutional mechanisms supportive of female media workers." (Fojo website) more