International Woman’s Day

Women’s issues are largely under-reported, and  news correspondents are overwhelmingly men

In recent years there has been a boom in the number of successful women journalists and presenters in the media – American host Oprah Winfrey, for example, is one of the most influential people in the world. 

But unfortunately, media equality is a bit of an illusion. Programmes like Everywoman are an anomaly – according to the Global Media Monitoring Report women’s issues are largely under-reported, and news correspondents are overwhelmingly men.

So are we breaking through in the tough world of media – or is it still a boys club? 

Rachel Ellison is the former editor of the BBC’s Afghan Woman’s Hour and now works as a consultant on women’s rights and the media. She tells Shiulie why we need programmes that look at women’s issues.

http://www.internews.org/bulletin/monthlynews/lb_2008_03_women.html

Family Law changes in Morocco

Have things really changed for women?

Mohammed VI, the King of Morocco, introduced sweeping reforms across the country in 2004 which were designed to eradicate discrimination – he ushered in new laws on equality, divorce rights and polygamy.

The new Moroccan Family Law passed in 2004 has been celebrated in Morocco and abroad as a landmark reform – a turning point for women’s rights in particular and human rights in general.

This reform represents a structural and institutional change that affects not only Moroccan society. It serves as a model for others in the Middle East and the wider Muslim world as well.

The new law is the product of many years of debate by religious leaders, two reigning monarchs, grassroots men and women activists, journalists, and political and non-governmental organisation (NGO) leaders.

It comes in response to women’s demands to promote their rights, safeguard their children and their property, and reduce the discrimination and marginalisation that prevent their full participation in society.

But, have things really changed for women and if so, in what way?

Shiulie Ghosh is joined by Fatima Sadiqi,  a professor of linguistics and gender studies at the University of Fez who says that this Moroccan reform demonstrates to the world that Islamic values, texts from the sacred Koran, and principles of universal human rights go hand in hand.
 
Chinese Migrant

Millions flock from villages to escape grinding poverty in their rural hometowns

Each year in China millions of migrant workers flock from villages to cities in search of jobs.

Millions of these migrant workers are fuelling the economic boom. 

It is a chance to escape grinding poverty in their rural hometowns, yet for many, it is a painful journey, as they lack basic rights and seemingly have little value as human beings.

We followed one young woman from Gansu province, who like many, went in search of a better life.

Watch part one of this episode of Everywoman on YouTube

Watch part two of this episode of Everywoman on YouTube

This episode of Everywoman aired on Friday, March 6, 2008

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