Promotion limited by lack of childcare

Press, 17 June 1986, Page 33

Promotion limited by lack of childcare

PA Wellington Women are being held back from reaching senior positions in the news media because of a shortage of childcare facilities, according to the first national conference of Media Women. The conference was held in Wellington last week-end. About 150 women from all areas of the news media and advertising attended. Delegates were concerned that many women never reached senior news selection jobs. This was because of a lack of childcare facilities and

flexible working hours, they said. Editors were often out of touch with the types of news the public were interested in. News of particular interest to women was often given low priority in newspapers. Many women also expressed concern about sexism in the news media. The conference decided that Media Women would send standard letters out to newspapers publishing sexist stories, captions and headings. The letters would say why the item was offensive and a record would be made of all

sexist news items. The group would make a collage of the items, and probably publish it. Women were also encouraged to play a larger role in unions. Issues such as childcare should gain a higher priority in award negotiations, the conference decided. Media Women will compile a booklet of women experts in all fields to counter what it sees as over-exposed male commentators. The booklet will be given to all newsrooms in New Zealand.