UNESCO launches online database of female experts for journalists

BANGKOK, March 7 (TNA) - The UNESCO Bangkok launched the initiative “Women Make the News – Thailand”, offering online database of Thai female experts for journalists with an aim to put female experts front and centre in media. Some 70 experts and journalists from across the country on Monday joined the launch of the database, which aims to serve as a rich resource that journalists can use to find top experts for their stories, while also addressing gender imbalances in media. More than 250 Thai women experts have joined the database to date, sharing their expertise in three areas: media, ICT and innovation; environment and climate change; as well as the cultures and histories of ASEAN countries. Misako Ito, Head of the Communication and Information Unit, UNESCO Bangkok said that currently, female experts played a role in giving interview and information on one-fourth of the media space. Most contents presented women’s image as victims. The initiative is to promote gender equality on the media and to mark the international Women’s Day on March 8, she said. (TNA)