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April 14, 2026 – General –
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has announced the election of a new Steering Committee for its Gender Council, marking the start of a new leadership term from 2026 to 2029 and reinforcing its global commitment to gender equality in journalism.
At the centre of the announcement is the re-election of María Ángeles Samperio as chairperson for a third consecutive term. She secured a strong majority in a week-long online vote, reflecting continued confidence in her leadership at a time when gender equity remains a key priority for the organisation.
The newly formed Steering Committee, which serves as the executive body of the Gender Council, consists of 11 members drawn from journalist unions and associations worldwide. Samim Sultana Ahmed has been elected as vice chair, while Williette James will serve as secretary.
The broader Gender Council includes 29 representatives from across the IFJ’s global network, ensuring geographic diversity and representation from multiple regions. Newly appointed regional coordinators span Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, highlighting an effort to strengthen international collaboration on gender-related issues within the media sector.
The Gender Council functions as a non-political advisory body within the IFJ, tasked with shaping policies and initiatives that promote equality, combat discrimination, and support journalists facing gender-based challenges. It also plays a role in advising the IFJ Executive Committee and its affiliated unions on strategies to integrate gender perspectives into newsroom practices and labour structures.
The council’s influence has grown in recent years, particularly after reforms adopted at the 2022 IFJ Global Congress granted its chair full voting rights within the organisation’s Executive Committee. This change elevated the council’s role in decision-making and underscored the federation’s institutional commitment to gender equality.
In remarks following her re-election, Samperio emphasised the importance of sustained efforts to support women journalists and ensure that member unions implement concrete strategies to advance equality within their organisations.
The new leadership is expected to play a central role in shaping IFJ priorities ahead of its centenary congress, as the federation continues to position gender equality as a core pillar of global journalism advocacy.
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