Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting (SHDM) I on Media Freedom and Gender Equality

Background

Pluralistic and independent media are indispensable to open, equal and accountable societies. Gender equality and human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and media freedom, are permanently interlinked. Equal opportunities are a prerequisite, while media freedom and gender equality can advance and mutually reinforce one another.

The first session focused on Gender equality and the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds through any media. The session addressed unequal possibilities to exercise the right to freedom of expression, including due to the digital divide, gender-based online violence and discriminatory and/or biased technologies.

The second session focused on The role of the media in the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. A particular focus was given to gender-sensitive reporting and the inclusion of women’s voices to strengthen conflict resolution, as well as to the role of journalistic ethical codes and national (and regional) action plans. The session addressed how the media can contribute to the successful implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and subsequent resolutions.

The third session focused on the Safety of female journalists online. Based on the RFoM #SOFJO Resource Guide, the session will focus on the implementation gap when it comes to ensuring plurality of voices online by addressing the role of governments to combating gender-based violence online and increasing opportunities for pluralism and freedom of expression online.

Participants

Representatives of OSCE participating States, OSCE institutions and OSCE executive structures, representatives of inter-governmental organizations, representatives of civil society and researchers from 57 participating States that have relevant experience in the topic participated in the SHDM. The Partners for Co-operation were also invited to attend and contribute with respect to their co-operation and links with the OSCE in the field.

Registration

Online self-registration at http://meetings.odihr.pl is now closed.

Live streaming

Live streaming has ended. 

Modalities

The modalities of the meeting were set out in accordance with the decision of the Permanent Council (PC.DEC/476, 23 May 2002).

Given the restrictions related to Covid-19, this meeting exceptionally took place online.

Side events

Side events provide an opportunity for participants to discuss issues that have not been fully covered during the working sessions, since only limited time is assigned to each topic.

Online booking of side events, available only to registered participants, is now closed. The booking system is based on the “first come, first served” principle. 

Contacts

Meeting co-ordination: Mr. Martin Toplišek at martin.toplisek@odihr.pl  

Programme matters: Ms. Julia Haas at julia.haas@osce.org

Participant registration: Ms. Anna Sierant at anna.sierant@odihr.pl

Co-ordination of side events: Ms. Justyna Pazura at justyna.pazura@odihr.pl