25. Mainstreaming Equality in Journalism The 24th Congress of the IFJ, meeting in Seoul from June 11-15th, 2001, · Commends the work of the Women’s Working Party; · Instructs the Executive Committee to expand the activities of the working party (now called Gender Council), particularly through the regional structures of the IFJ and within its project programme. · Adopts the following

Plan of Action

1. Women in Journalism Action: The Gender Council must prepare an overview of best practice examples used by unions to increase the number of women in decision-making positions in media. Such a survey should focus on best practice examples on equality provisions achieved in collective bargaining. This should include best practice in collective agreements on: · parental leave; · Social protection; · Working time; · Models for reconciling work and family responsibilities; · Promotion; · Access to training. The IFJ should support implementation of best practice examples through trade union training and other seminars. National unions should ensure that the best practice examples are being made into demands in their own national collective bargaining and report to the IFJ about implementation of the best practice examples. The Gender Council should develop a code of conduct for women media managers. 2. Women in the Union There is no overall agreement among unions whether special structures for women, allocation of seats or quota systems are the way to improve representation and participation of women in the union. Action: The Gender Council should prepare a review of women’s committees and systems setting targets for female representation explaining if and how these structures have contributed to improving participation of women in the union. National unions should use the survey to create women’s committees and systems setting targets for female representation and report to the IFJ on the creation of these structures. The IFJ should sensitise women to take up leadership positions through special training programmes and activities. Congress determines that the IFJ Executive Committee should prepare an Annual Plan directed to women journalistsm to promote principles and values of trades unionism. 3. Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value: An Issue for the Union and the IFJ Action: The Gender Council should initiate a campaign on equal pay. The campaign should be organised at regional and national level and should focus on achieving equal pay for women in practice. The IFJ should prepare a best practice survey on equal pay and circulate the information to member unions for action at national level. Each region should nominate a campaign co-ordinator. Asia-Pacific: IFJ Project Office North America: TNG-CWA Latin America: IFJ Regional Office Africa: WAJA, EAJA, SAJA Europe: EFJ The IFJ should co-ordinate the campaign with the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (representing the trade union centres). Campaign targets should include regular salary reviews with employers; consultation rights for unions on payment grades and promoting best practice in collective agreements. The campaign should be supported by practical seminars and meetings. The IFJ should assist unions to develop national strategies and campaigns that are tailored to the specific needs in the country. The campaign should aim to achieve implementation in practice of all key ILO conventions safeguarding women’s rights.