A debate on how the media can promote gender equality and the prevention of violence against women, during a December 5 gender equality forum. Women’s ministry
The government, UNESCO and several partners have called on the media to play a more active role in promoting gender equality and addressing violence against women and girls. The appeal was made during the Annual Media Forum on Gender Equality: held under the theme The Role of Media in Promoting Gender Equality and Preventing Violence Against Women on December 5.
Global and local perspectives on violence against women
Speaking at the forum, UNESCO representative in Cambodia Sardar Umar Alam highlighted a stark global reality: “Worldwide, 736 million women – one in three – experience violence in their lifetime.”
He warned that emerging digital innovations, including generative artificial intelligence, exacerbate technology-facilitated gender-based violence. According to UNESCO data, 26 per cent of young women and girls have experienced cyberstalking or online harassment.
“Globally, 73 per cent of female journalists face significant online threats, with 30 per cent resorting to self-censorship due to harassment. Women are also underrepresented in media leadership roles and face barriers to entry,” he added.
Locally, a recent UNESCO report revealed that in Cambodia, just seven per cent of monitored news content focused on gender equality, with just one per cent covering gender-based violence.
“This highlights a glaring underrepresentation of women in Cambodian media,” said Alam.
He recommended that essential information be made accessible to all media outlets to report freely and raise public awareness about violence against women. He emphasised the need for gender-sensitive journalist training, including techniques for interviewing survivors, protecting their privacy and adopting appropriate reporting angles.
“Increasing the number of women journalists and fostering their leadership is equally crucial,” he noted.
“Let’s promote journalism for justice. Together, let’s amplify voices to end violence against women,” he urged.
Information minister Neth Pheaktra (left) and women’s minister Ing Kantha Phavi, at the December 5 gender equality forum. They are flanked by Swedish embassy head of human rights Susanna Elmberger (left) and UNESCO representative in Cambodia Sardar Umar Alam. Women’s ministry
Susanna Elmberger, head of human rights and democracy at the Swedish Embassy, underscored the gravity of the issue: “Every ten minutes, a woman is killed by her partner or someone she knows.”
She noted that in Cambodia, research shows one in five women experience emotional, physical or sexual violence during their lifetime, though such incidents are often underreported due to societal norms. She urged the media to advocate for a safer, more equitable society and promote preventive education on gender-based violence.
“The media should bridge policymakers and communities, highlighting needs, concerns and effective practices to improve policymaking,” she said.
Elmberger also highlighted Sweden’s long-standing support for Cambodia through civil society organisations working on gender equality and human rights initiatives.
Government’s role in promoting gender equality
Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra shared the government’s efforts to advance gender equality. He highlighted improvements in the education and labour sectors, noting that women are now viewed as the backbone of Cambodia’s economy. However, he cautioned against the unintended impacts of digital advancement, especially generative AI, which could perpetuate harmful stereotypes and content.
Pheaktra highlighted measures to protect women’s dignity in media, such as banning violent imagery against women and stopping TV advertisements that exploit women to promote alcoholic beverages.
“These are some of the steps we’ve taken to protect the values of women and society. The Ministry of Information will actively collaborate with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and partners to eliminate gender inequality and violence against women and girls,” he said.
Pheaktra also addressed the misuse of social media for “pranks” or misleading advertisements that degrade women.
“Some sellers prank their audiences by staging violent performances to sell products. This damages women’s dignity, and Phnom Penh authorities have called several individuals for education,” he said.
Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women’s Affairs, highlighted the 16-day campaign to promote women’s rights, gender equality and an end to violence against women which is currently underway across the Kingdom.
She acknowledged positive changes in women’s roles in Cambodia, noting that the country has the highest percentage of women in the workforce in ASEAN. However, Cambodia ranks just 116 out of 170 countries in the Gender Inequality Index.
Kantha Phavi urged the media to contribute to improving Cambodia’s ranking. “The media should promote gender equality and highlight the cultural values that uplift women in every country,” she said, quoting an Indian women’s rights advocate: “If you wish to know how civilised a culture is, look at how it treats women.”
Through collaborative efforts, the forum emphasised the critical role of the media in fostering gender equality and building a more inclusive and respectful society.
