The media belongs to everyone
The free media belongs to everyone. Vikes promotes equitable, safe, and accessible media environments where everyone has the opportunity to access information, be heard, and participate in public discourse.
A free and diverse media is the foundation of a democratic society. Every person should have the opportunity to access information, be heard, and participate in public discourse, regardless of gender, background, language, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or social status.
In many countries, however, the media is rife with discrimination, hate speech, and structural inequality. Women, minorities, and vulnerable people are often overlooked or subjected to harassment. At the same time, journalists’ ability to work safely and independently may also be limited.
Vikes' Media Rights, Equality, and Inclusion sub-program promotes a more equitable media landscape by supporting journalists, media professionals, and civil society in building a fairer and more accessible media environment.
Our work may include, for example:
- training on equitable and responsible journalism
- strengthening a safer media culture
- practices to combat discrimination and hate speech
- increasing the visibility of minorities and underrepresented groups in the media
- developing accessible communication
Our goal is a media landscape where people from all walks of life can participate in the conversation safely and equally, and a media industry where every journalist has the opportunity to do their job without discrimination or fear.
A more equal media strengthens democracy, social trust, and human rights.
Expected outcomes
- Journalists’ and media professionals’ expertise in equal and inclusive journalism will be strengthened.
- The visibility of minorities and underrepresented groups in the media will increase.
- Media practices will become safer and more accessible.
- Discrimination, hate speech, and harassment will be addressed more effectively.
- Public discourse will become more diverse, and equality strenghtens.
News articles related to the project
Female journalists in Nepal and Tanzania produced investigative stories and social reportages
In 2024, Vikes’ Women in the Media project organized training sessions, supported content production, and worked to improve working conditions.
The women-led Nepali Times is an exception in Nepal
Sonia Awale, editor-in-chief of the English-language Nepali Times, took an unusual route to becoming a journalist. She believes that women bring new perspectives to journalism.
Video: patriarchy in the newsroom in the treatment of women and also in the workplace
How is patriarchal thinking reflected in the daily life of the newsroom? Vikes and an international team of women journalists produced a video in which journalists in Nepal and Kenya reflect on how male power is reflected in media mentality.