"[...] WACC’s own Strategic Plan 2017-2021 includes the goal “To support civil society in the Global South to combat sexism in the media.” In part, WACC does so through its acclaimed Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP) and other initiatives that generate evidence on the gender dimensions of ... news reporting. Monitoring findings are applied to awareness creation, critical media literacy training, advocacy, and engagement with media professionals on media policy and practice. The articles in this issue of Media Development are shortened versions of some of the position papers prepared by the Global Alliance on Media and Gender (GAMAG) to be presented to the 62nd session of the Commission on the Status of Women (2018). However, while gender equality and equitable participation in - and access of women to - the media and to information and communications technologies can undoubtedly be achieved by women alone, it will happen much more quickly and effectively if gender equality were recognized by men as a task for them as well. As the American feminist and political activist Gloria Steinem has affirmed, “A gender-equal society would be one where the word ‘gender’ does not exist: where everyone can be themselves.” (Editorial) more

"Communicators who work with photography and video in the development context know the power visuals can have in bearing witness to the reality people living in poverty face. When contextualized, visuals can transcend distance and create a global dialog around topics in need of deeper understanding ... and action for social change." (Introduction) more

"Stereotyping is an attempt to diminish human dignity, reinforcing prejudice and ignorance, and weakening those structures that offer protection in society. In a mass mediated society, stereotypes, especially about women and men, can easily become ingrained, ultimately contributing to repression and ... leading to violence. Consequently, it is vital for social communications – mass, community, and social media – to represent people, no matter who they are or where they come from, in a more balanced and gender-sensitive way. Moreover, it is important for those responsible for media content – including what has become known as user-generated content – to counter gender bias wherever it occurs." (Editorial, page 1) more