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Heightened Awareness Print Email
Aniela Gella Saaiman, Southern African Media and Gender Institute, South Africa

In preparation for the 16th of February 2005, the day the Southern African Media and Gender Institute (SAMGI) would partake in the Global Media Monitoring Project, staff were fortunate to have the expertise of William Bird, of the Media Monitoring Africa, at our Cape Town offices for a two-day workshop.

The purpose of the workshop was to provide an overview of the GMMP and to practice using the coding sheets when monitoring the media.

The workshop would at times become a lively debate and these were sparked by different perceptions on what constituted stereotyping and whether some of the broadcasts and publications required further analysis.

But as much as there was debate there was also consensus on many issues and knowledge was shared among staff.

Being part of the GMMP was an exciting event, especially knowing that the process was happening in tens of countries.

Being a monitor for the GMMP made me aware of the negative stereotypes within the South African media. I now scrutinise articles I read, and broadcasts I listen to and watch on television. I also question the ethics of the journalists and editors who should be held responsible.

It's sad and worrying how negative stereotypes are used in tabloids especially the language used to describe females, both young  andold as they are read extensively by the public.

I am very pleased that I could take part in the process and more so that I gained the knowledge of media monitoring and gender sensitivity within the media. It has assisted me personally with the articles that I write and research as I concentrate on women's voices especially in the industries in which I work which are male dominated.
 
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