From February 29th to March 3rd, 2024, the NGO “Women in Media” held a team retreat and organizational strategic planning in Truskavets, moderated by media expert Maryna Bezkorovaina.
Among the main challenges discussed were gender disinformation and online violence against female media professionals, burnout and the challenges of war for single mothers, low wages in the media industry, and the importance of ensuring fair compensation. Discussion also touched upon the agency of the Ukrainian journalists, both in accessing information within the country and during interactions with foreign colleagues.
“Sofia Kochmar brilliantly articulated today the idea that when you start discussing professional problems and challenges within a circle of like-minded individuals, they suddenly transform from mere issues into actionable plans. Together with my colleagues from ‘Women in Media,’ we took some time to contemplate which steps could be taken shortly and what is needed to achieve them. It turned out to be quite comprehensive and, in my opinion, ambitious. I am thrilled to be in the company of strong, motivated, energetic, and creative women,” said Oleksandra Horchynska, journalist NV media outlet and project manager of NGO “Women in Media”.
In 2022, the NGO “Women in Media” conducted a study The Situation of Women Journalists and Other Women Media Workers in Ukraine. Risks for women in the media are especially aggravated due to physical and economic threats, increased workload both at work, which is socially important, and outside of work, when it comes to the need to care for relatives, especially if they find themselves in danger due to hostilities in Ukraine.
In addition, according to another study An Underestimated Threat: Gendered Disinformation about Ukrainian Women Journalists, due to the lack of attention to the issue of gendered disinformation from the government and from specific institutions, particularly the media, women who face information attacks are left alone with the problem and its consequences, which may eventually lead to a decreased engagement of women in social and political processes.
The event was made possible under the support of Equal Rights and Independent Media (ERIM).