„Gender Balanced approach in media" curriculum to be launched

University lecturers from several faculties of journalism of the country's universities have developed university programs focused on gender approach in media, within a project, implemented by the Independent Journalism Centre (IJC).
 
Thus, the representatives of faculties of journalism of the State University of Moldova, the Free International University, the University of European Studies, the Slavic University and the State University „A. Russo” have developed 5 curricula.
 
These curricula include major components that will help students understand how to reflect the gender issue in print media, contributing to the professional training of future journalists.
 
When developing these programs, lecturers were supported and consulted by Daniela Terzi-Barbarosie, expert in gender issues, who says that the inclusion of gender issue in university professional training of journalists is the most efficient and secure tool, through which media can develop in the immediate future, so that it is receptive to gender issue, while experts in the field are namely experts when it comes to respect for human rights and promotion of equality and non-discrimination. „The authors of curricula made a huge effort, and the results of implementing these courses in universities of the country will match this effort; while we, as direct beneficiaries of the work of future media professionals, will enjoy quality media products, corresponding to journalist codes of ethics, with educational and value impact, able to cultivate values​​, refine spirits and provoke minds. As it is designed”, the expert said.

Elena Cobilean, lecturer at the University, one of the authors of these programs, has already begun implementing this curriculum. According to her, it was quite curious to see the reactions of students and their attitudes towards this issue, but, at the same time, she enjoys their willingness and interest to this course. Valentina Enache, head of the Department of Journalism and Public Communication at the University of European Studies said that, every year, there are more and more students who want to explore gender issues in their works and materials.
 
The „Gender Balanced approach in media" curriculum was launched together with the publication „Gender equality: stereotype and truth” in an event, organized by IJC on July 24.
 
The „Gender Balanced approach in media" curriculum was developed within the project „Changing the perception of women in society through media", implemented by the Independent Journalism Centre, during September 2013 – September 2014 and supported by the Netherlands Embassy through MATRA Program.