The European Institute for Gender Equality has found that women in decision-making roles are in the minority in the media sector in Malta. 

The study carried out by the institute describes the media industry in Malta as an industry which poses a number of systemic obstacles for women aiming for executive posts. Participants of the study listed a number of these obstacles, including discrimination, harassment and sexist cultural norms. 

An industry, such as the media industry, that strives for equality at the workplace should address a range of issues, including the provision of child care, flexible working conditions, work ethic, good work practices and salary discrepancy. 

A more equal mix of men and women in the media could lead to better news content. As a result, the public would be better able to appreciate the work of a journalist and be better educated. However, the study emphasised the need to have more women in decision-making positions to have better quality content. 

If there is more equality in journalistic content, the public will have more awareness of issues pertaining to the sexes. This will reflect in increased awareness of wider-ranging gender equality issues.  

The study makes a number of proposals, among them that the media should stay clear of anything that instigates violence against groups of people or a specific person. 

Voice of the Workers here refers to the President of Malta’s speech last weekend where she emphasised the essential role of the media within society and appealed for journalists to be allowed to carry on with their job. 

This portal believes that, while the media is the fourth pillar of democracy, it needs to be educational and informative. It also believes that male and female journalists should be treated with dignity for the same work that they do to uncover the truth.