Government-Company Partnerships Seen as Key to Eliminating Gender Discrimination Against Journalists

Female journalists often experience discrimination while carrying out their journalistic work. This is in line with findings released by the Indonesian Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) and the Media Regulator Regulation Monitor (PR2Media) in their report, *A Difficult Path to Equality*.

The aspects of discrimination examined in the research covered six areas: remuneration, assignment coverage, job promotion, leave entitlements, employee reduction, and editorial meetings.

(Read also: The Difficult Path of Female Journalists: Types of Discrimination Often Faced)

So, how can gender discrimination experienced by journalists in their workplaces be eliminated?

In the study, the most frequently chosen recommendation by respondents was the existence of more gender-friendly company policies. This accounted for 29.9% of the total respondents, or 121 people.

"Companies can do this by providing equal rights or wages, opportunities for promotion, and other rights," the research team wrote in the report.

Meanwhile, the role of leadership in being more gender-sensitive was chosen by 25.7% of respondents. The research team believes that eliminating discrimination is not only built on regulations but also on leaders who are committed to supporting gender equality.

Next, management transparency was chosen by 22.2% of respondents. The role of the government is also crucial in addressing gender discrimination, chosen by 19.8% of respondents.

Respondents also hoped for equal pay between men and women, chosen by 2.5%.

"This is ongoing; it's the task of the government, companies, and leaders. Ideally, everyone works together, complementing each other, from upstream to downstream, from broad regulations to technicalities," said a respondent in the research's focus group discussion (FGD).

This survey involved 405 female journalists in 34 provinces, conducted online from April 4-18, 2022. The method used was snowball sampling and represented the western, central, and eastern regions of Indonesia.

The FGD was conducted with eight female journalists selected from the survey respondents based on the diversity of types of discrimination, media type, position or job title, and province of residence.

This discussion was conducted online on May 25, 2022, and each informant was given an identity code to conceal their identity so they could talk more freely without fear of being recognized by other informants.

Here is a breakdown of the recommendations for eliminating gender discrimination for journalists in the workplace:

* Company policies that are more gender-friendly: 121 respondents (29.9%)
* Leaders with gender sensitivity: 104 (25.7%)
* Transparency from management or HR regarding the amount of salary, bonuses, and allowances given to employees: 90 (22.2%)
* More gender-friendly government regulations: 80 (19.8%)
* Equal pay between men and women: 10 (2.5%)

(Read also: Majority of Female Journalists Experienced Sexual Violence and Harassment in 2022)