Gender is the largest diversity category, with more than half the world’s population self identifying as women. This has been a primary focus of WIN’s work and efforts since we first launched in 2010. However we recognise that in focusing exclusively on gender at the exclusion of other diversity categories, we ourselves are painting an incomplete picture on how to be a truly inclusive organisation that embraces equality. In order to become inclusive leaders, we must first understand the nuances of diversity categories, beginning with definitions and terminology and moving on to dismantling the negative effect of unconscious bias.

As part of its GEDI programme, in addition to focusing on balanced reporting and underrepresented groups, WIN has a primary focus on the representation of women in the media. Women make up more than half of the population, however on average they are quoted as expert sources, appear in bylines or are the subject of stories on average just over 25% of time. Media shapes what we think about, what we believe, and what we do. That means the decisions taken by those working in, and leading, the industry are of vital importance. If the media fails to represent women as equals and stereotypes them in their jobs, societal roles and attributes, they perpetuate and reinforce gender inequalities. This applies not just to women, but to trans people, sexuality, race, class, religion and ethnicity. In most of today’s news media, women are much less likely to be featured as subjects of a story or quoted as experts compared to men.

WIN aims to improve this figure by conducting training for media managers as well as providing practical tools to help newsrooms work toward greater balance and inclusivity in their content. We deliver bespoke coaching, online training as well as large-scale (virtual) workshops.