It’s a Man’s World!

UNFPA Armenia and Pro-Media Gender NGO Presented
the “Woman’s Image in Armenian Media” Study Results

According to the study findings, despite the fact that 67 per cent of publications are authored by women, 86 per cent of people represented in the media are men, and only 10 per cent of the total information flow is provided to women.

 

• 76 per cent of people about whom we hear or read in the world news are men
  (“Global Media Monitoring Project” (www.whomakesthenews.org / 2010 data).
• 86 per cent of people about whom we read in the Armenian media are men
  (According to the current study).

 

On 9 December 2011, at UN House, UNFPA, United Nations Population Fund, and Pro-Media Gender NGO presented the results of the “Woman’s Image in Armenian Media” study, within the framework of “16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence” 2011 campaign.

 

The event speakers were Mr. Garik Hayrapetyan, UNFPA Assistant Representative, Ms. Tamara Hovnatanyan, Chairperson, Pro-Media Gender NGO, Ms. Lilit Zakaryan, Expert, Pro-Media Gender NGO, and Mrs. Jina Sargizova, UNFPA “16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence” campaign coordinator.

 

As the speakers noted, the study was conducted by Pro-Media Gender NGO with support of UNFPA Armenia. The purpose of the study was to examine woman’s image as portrayed by the Armenian media, in respect with overcoming stereotypes regarding the role and place of a woman in Armenian society.

 

The duration of the study was three months, from March 1 to June 1, 2011. Overall, around 450 issues and 30,000 publications from six periodicals (three newspapers and three internet news agencies) were monitored, namely “Hayastani Hanrapetutyun” (“Republic of Armenia”), “Aravot” (“Morning”), and “Azg” (“Nation”) dailies, and “News.am”, “A1+”, and “Panorama” news web sites. When deciding on the study sample, the principle of maintaining the continuity of several studies played a decisive role.

 

 

FACTSHEET
On “Woman’s Image in Armenian Media” Study Results
Conducted by: Pro-Media Gender NGO
Supported by: UNFPA Armenia
Purpose: to examine woman’s image as portrayed by the Armenian media, in respect with overcoming stereotypes regarding the role and place of a woman in Armenian society.
What is the problem?
The media often contributes to strengthening of gender stereotypes and perception of women as people who are not able to conduct public or political activities, be good managers or decision-makers.
Why is it important to study the problem?
The issue becomes more urgent in the context of a number of upcoming elections in Armenia. A question is raised: to what extent the image of the woman portrayed by the media is contributing to deepening the distrust towards female candidates, and consequently to decreasing their competitiveness in the elections?
What media outlets were monitored?
Six periodicals (three newspapers and three internet news agencies) were monitored:
1. “Hayastani Hanrapetutyun” (“Republic of Armenia”) daily;
2. “Aravot” (“Morning”) daily;
3. “Azg” (“Nation”) daily;
4. «News.am» information-analytical web site
5. “A1+” news web site
6. “Panorama” information-analytical portal.
In addition, “Tert.am” web site and “Haykakan Zhamanak” (“Armenian Times”) daily were considered in the pilot study.
Study Period
The study period was three months – from March 1 to June 1, 2011, which allowed to account for the effect of the so-called “women’s month” (from March 8, International Day of Women, to April 7, Armenian Motherhood and Beauty Day) on the coverage.
Object of the Study
The object of the study was publications that contained a description of or a reference to a woman, a fact or an event describing a woman, a comment made by a woman on any topic, or an interview with a woman.

 

You may download report ( in Armenian) here