CNN led the call of the media to #PressforProgress

 July 27, 2018

Around the world there was significant International Women's Day activity featured in the media as the social media hashtag #PressforProgress rallied the call to create gender parity around the globe. 

Many leading news sources ran various activity for International Women's Day - from hosting all female news reader panels, to covering an abundance of gender equality related issues and topics, through to celebrating the day with female-orientated content and programming. They supported the global campaign theme of "Press for Progress" and helped surge visibility and drive awareness raising regarding a wide range of gender parity issues.

Positive media engagement helps drive forward equality

The media plays a hugely important role in making every day International Women's Day - that is, to ensure women are included and visible as spokespeople, as schedulers, as programmers, as content developers, as reporters. They have a role in ensuring that they run content that is inclusive and non-stereotyped or discriminatory. The media should aim to consistently ensure balance and relevance regarding female interests.

Filmmaker and CNN Philippines Life multimedia editor Samantha Lee moderated the women in media panel. The panelists included online strategist Coco Quizon, fashion designer and Grrrl Gang founder Mich Dulce, photographer Shaira Luna, and author Mina Esguerra. Photo by JL JAVIER

CNN Philippines hosted leading best practice example from the media

One of the best examples of International Women's Day #PressforProgress activity from the media sector was delivered by CNN Philippines who joined the global call to action to accelerate gender equality, gender inclusivity and empowerment by holding a “Leading Women to #PressforProgress” summit. CNN Philippines kicked off women's month with Leni Robredo, 14th Vice President of the Philippines as they delved deeper into the role of women in government. The summit addressed many areas of women's advancement and is a leading example of best practice because CNN bravely took charge to step up and inspire women's confidence while making the call for more equality action being needed.

CNN not only engaged their local communities of women, but they broadcast the summit to audiences worldwide and you can watch some of the sessions here, along with their further indepth reporting that actively continues following International Women's Day addressing issues impacting the advancement of women that features gender equality and leadership issues discussed with influential and respected women who helped shape the Philippines' media, sports, entertainment, politics and corporate scene.

The summit hosted engaging talks, panel discussions, one-on-one interviews, conversations, and networking forums.

“Our goal is to share and learn, inspire and motivate, and celebrate the success stories of women from all walks of life,” said CNN Philippines president Armie Jarin-Bennett.

VIDEO: Hana Pauline Dina shares how she thrives as a social media influencer in The Philippines.

CNN Philippines gathered a diverse set of panelists and speakers to discuss various topics relevant to the modern woman. Impressive speakers like award-winning CNN journalist and news anchor Kristie Lu Stout who gave concrete examples on how to achieve equality for women, such as “boosting a female colleague,” “no more all-male panels,” “making your partner lean-in,” “volunteering to be a role model,” and “using your platform.”

Panelists spoke about the importance of representation in the media, citing examples of strong, well-rounded female characters that served as inspirations, and discussed what needs to be addressed in the media industry in order for it to be more gender inclusive.

Speakers provided engaging presentations and insight: She Talks Asia co-founders Iza Calzado and Lynn Pinugu spoke about self-acceptance; entrepreneur Rissa Mananquil-Trillo addressed the true meaning of beauty; Dr. Gia Sison spoke about courage, winning, and self love; and social media influencer Hannah Pangilinan called on audiences to speak up. Photographer Shaira Luna, author Mina Esguerra, online strategist Coco Quizon, and fashion designer and women’s rights advocate Mich Dulce joined filmmaker Samantha Lee to discuss female stories in the media.

As the summit closed, the common thread that was apparent throughout the talks was the importance of sisterhood and collaboration, and that gender equality can be achieved if women (and men) come together, support each other, and pave the way for the success of one another.

A number of partners supported the highly successful event like San Miguel Corporation, BDO, Organique, Aboitiz, Discovery Primea and BMW.

 
VIDEO: CNN anchor Kristie Lu Stout lists ways women and men can press for gender equality at work and home.

Accompanying the offline summit, CNN provided impressive digital content addressing the call to move womankind forward on International Women's Day. Covering stories about education, violence against women and child brides, CNN called on its readers to support a range of organizations working toward gender equality.

BBC supported International Women's Day conversation

Of further note was the BBC who hosted a panel of women discussing issues regarding women in business and the role of female leadership. Spokeswomen like Rita Clifton and Helena Morrisey gave their views on some of the gains and challenges regarding women's equality.

BBC broadcasted an engaging International Women's Day discussion to the masses on prime time British television.

Global News in Canada promoted positive news for women 

Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment, that provides Canada from coast to coast a host of news and information, also used the occasion of International Women's Day to feature major news and announcements about activity directly benefiting women's advancement. They invited Status of Women minister Stephanie McLean on to their Global News Morning Calgary to discuss the announcement of a funding boost for sexual assault centres aimed to cut rising wait times for counselling.

VIDEO: Global News features details about a funding boost for sexual assault centres in Canada.