CHARTER FOR EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN IN BROADCASTING

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Adopted by European broadcasting organizations on the occasion of the EBU/EC Conference on 5 May 1995

The UN Declaration of Discrimination Against Women recognises that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights“. But while discrimination still exists, action must be taken to promote equal opportunities for women in all aspects of life. In Europe, womer are over 50% of the population. Yet, in broadcasting, women make up only:

6% of management board members
11% of senior executives
7% of technical staff.

We recognize:

• that women make an important contribution to the diversity of values, culture and experience, expressed in broadcasting output, and in the work environment;
• that the presence of a fairer proportion of women in senior posts in broadcasting would enhance the utilisation of the full potential of all sectors of the European workforce;
• that promoting equal opportinities improves efficiency, competitiveness, and sound business management, through better use of human resources.

We declare that all women have the right to:

1. Fair and equal treatment at work, and in selection, recruitment and promotion procedures.
2. Equal opportunities at all levels and in all occupational areas, with equal access to training, retraining, and career development, as well as the right to participate in decision-making and editorial processes.
3. Equal pay and employment benefits, as appropriate to their contract, with pro-rata entitlements for part-timers.
4. Free from harrassment, abuse or intimidation at work.
5. Working conditions, and a workplace ethos, which enable everyone, without loss of career prospects, to reconcile and plan their work and personal lives.
6. A healthy, safe, and secure working environment.
7. Fair treatment in programme preparation and content, as programme-makers or contributors, with respect for the concerns of female listeners and viewers.

• We commit ourselves to recognising these rights in all aspects of operation and planning, and will work towards making them available to all women.