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May 18, 2026 – General –
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has announced new measures aimed at strengthening gender equality within its leadership structures during its Centenary Congress in 2026. Delegates participating in the congress approved reforms designed to increase women’s representation in decision-making roles and reinforce the organization’s long-term commitment to equality within the journalism profession.
According to the IFJ, the adopted measures seek to ensure more balanced participation in leadership bodies, committees, and union structures affiliated with the federation. Representatives at the congress emphasized that improving gender representation is essential for building a more inclusive and representative media environment globally.
Delegates highlighted ongoing challenges faced by women journalists, including unequal access to leadership positions, workplace discrimination, harassment, and safety risks both online and offline. Participants argued that stronger institutional representation can help address systemic inequalities affecting women across the media sector while encouraging fairer newsroom policies and working conditions.
The congress also focused on broader discussions surrounding labor rights, press freedom, journalist safety, and the future of journalism in an increasingly digital media environment. Gender equality initiatives were presented as part of a wider effort to modernize union structures and ensure that journalism organizations better reflect the diversity of the profession.
IFJ representatives noted that women journalists continue to face disproportionate levels of online abuse and intimidation, particularly when covering politics, conflict, and investigative reporting. Delegates argued that media organizations and journalist unions must take stronger action to protect women journalists while promoting equal opportunities for advancement and leadership.
The federation’s latest reforms build on previous gender equality campaigns and policies adopted by the IFJ over recent years. Organizers described the congress decisions as an important step toward creating more equitable representation at both regional and international levels within journalism organizations.
Participants also stressed that leadership diversity can contribute to broader perspectives in media advocacy and improve the ability of journalism organizations to respond to challenges facing reporters worldwide. Several delegates emphasized that strengthening women’s participation in leadership is closely connected to defending press freedom, labor protections, and newsroom independence.
The IFJ Centenary Congress brought together journalist unions and media representatives from multiple countries to discuss the evolving challenges confronting the global journalism industry. The approved gender equality measures were widely presented as a significant milestone in the federation’s ongoing efforts to improve representation and inclusivity within the profession.
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