Doc. 8230
6 October 1998

Image of women in the media

Motion for recommendation

presented by Mrs Poptodorova and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1. Women's equal rights have become the rule, but this rule encounters still some exceptions. The ability to eliminate discrimination requires its recognition as discrimination, as a departure from the principle of equal rights for all. Combating discrimination is a permanent process, where the interplay between discriminatory heritage and newly created discrimination requires constant monitoring and corrective interventions.

2. In order to be successful in this effort, it is essential to have society properly informed and educated in women's issues. In this context, a major role is played by the mass media. Not only gender parity as such but also the image of women depends entirely on the portrayal they are given in the media.

3. The Assembly considers it to be essential to examine how to inform and ask the mass media to improve its approach when women's issues are concerned.

4. The Assembly therefore recommends the Committee of Ministers to invite steering committees and committees of experts concerned to proceed to make proposals in this way.

Signed (see overleaf)

Signed : ¹

Poptodorova, Bulgaria, SOC

Arnau, Spain, SOC

Besostri, Italy, SOC

Biga Friganovic, Croatia, SOC

de Puig, Spain, SOC

Hadjidemetriou, Cyprus, SOC

Jaskiernia, Poland, SOC

Kirilov, Bulgaria, SOC

Martinez, Spain, SOC

Russell-Johnston, United Kingdom, LDR

Staes, Belgique, EPP/CD

Stepova, Czech Republic, SOC

Stoyanova, Bulgaria, EPP/CD

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group