Journalism Training on Gender Stereotypes and Ethics

In December 2009, Freedom House and the British Council in Kuwait collaborated with the Kuwait Journalists' Association to provide a three-day workshop for thirty-six Kuwaiti journalists. In this program entitled "Journalism and Ethics: Addressing Integrity, Objectivity and Stereotypes in the Media," participants discussed gender stereotyping and how it is reflected in the local and international press. The journalists now have a better understanding of gender discrimination and how to report news in a gender-sensitive and balanced manner.

The participants also reviewed regional and international codes of ethics and began to draft a code of ethics for journalists in Kuwait. The draft code will be developed further under the direction of the Kuwait Journalists' Association. Participants were enthusiastic about the training and the value of having learned more about ethics and gender issues, which are vital for journalists to do their work effectively.