Women in Media: “50% of women in the UK experience sexual harassment at work”

Hope Primus | 6th March 2018

 Sky News journalists attended Manchester’s Women in Media Event!

 

Courtesy of Kirstie O’Mahony

Women In Media gives the opportunity to celebrate and learn from successful women in the broadcast journalism industry. The annual conference was initially organised by a group of student journalists from the University of Manchester’s media collective.

This years’s conference, which was chaired by Kirstie O’Mahony, featured debates, panels and open discussions. In attendance were journalists from The Guardian, Sky News and VICE. Universities from across the country were welcomed to attend the event at the People’s History Museum, which also shed light on Amnesty International.

Courtesy of Kirstie O’Mahony

In a statement, Kirstie said:

“Events like these are crucial in empowering fierce females in every industry, as the world needs to know how great women are. I was personally inspired by countless women who spoke at the conference this weekend. Chairing this year’s conference was one of the best experiences of my entire life, and although the baton will be passed on to someone else next year, I will, in everything I do, continue to support fellow women in the media industry and beyond, and celebrate their achievements.”

Courtesy of Kirstie O’Mahony

The weekend was filled with useful information for aspiring and current female journalists and how they can deal with sexual misconduct. Throughout the uplifting conference, Women in Media were able to share their experiences within the one of the world’s most controversial industries, journalism.

Issues, regarding journalists’ mental health and desensitised coverage of breaking news were key discussions at the event and journalists spoke in open discussions about their experiences in Syria and Yemen.

Courtesy of Kirstie O’Mahony

Members of The Second Source, a group of women journalists who tackle harassment in the media, held a private discussion where young female journalists were able to confidently share experiences, concerns and seek advice about entering journalism. The group which was established in November 2017, is currently collecting HR policies to enable an “alternative network for women to network and have support”.

For more details regarding those who spoke at the event and how to get involved, click here. 

http://www.womeninmediacon.co.uk/

https://www.theguardian.com/uk

http://vice.com/