The “Engendering Change”EuroFIA Project

Handbook of Good Practices to Combat Gender Stereotypes and

Promote Equal Opportunities in Film, Television and Theatre in Europe

EuroFIA 2008 Study: “Age, Gender and Performer Employment in Europe”

Female performers have shorter careers than men

There is a greater proportion of women in the lowest income groups, but a much lower one in the top bracket

Women performers all over Europe consider their gender a disadvantage across all aspects of their careers and working lives

2009-2010: Engendering Change

Follow-up to EuroFIA Study

Methodology: Regional Seminars and Final Conference

Outcome: Handbook of Good Practices

Structure of Handbook

Foreword by FIA President Agnete Haaland

Introduction by Claes Borgström

EU Legislative Framework

Diverse Application in Member States

8 Chapters Exploring Several Types of Good Practices

Applicable EU Legislative Framework

General European Legislative FrameworkEquality between Men and Women in EmploymentCombating Gender Stereotypes and fighting sex discrimination in the audiovisual and media servicesNo specific legislation on gender equality in Performing Arts, TV and FilmStrong Political CommitmentEffectiveness depends on National Authorities Actions

The Diversity of National Rules

Huge Diversity for National Gender Equality LegislationsGeneral Legislation Vs. Specific LegislationTheory Vs. Reality: Stereotypes still widely acceptedSome outcomes from EU directivesDifferent approaches to achieve Gender Equality• Equal Opportunity Plans• Positive Action

Setting Qualitative and Quantitative Targets

Systematic control mechanisms to ensure gender equality is achievedSweden: Equal Opportunity Plan Belgium: Opinion of the Advisory Committee of the Audiovisual Council adopted in 2006

Ensuring Gender Equality in Management and Promoting Gender Sensitive

ManagementWomen still largely underrepresented in senior and top management positions in film, TV and performing arts companiesLack of gender sensitive management in the daily running of performing arts organisations and film and TV companiesNorway: Training women for top management in theatre, music, dance, film and TVSlovenia: Adopting a gender sensitive management style in theatres

Rethinking Professional Training for Stage and Screen

Professional training still largely influenced by gender stereotypesBreak the existing gender biased trends of the employment marketSweden: “Staging Gender” programme in higher education for artsUnited Kingdom: Training Lab “She Writes”

Challenging Gender Representation on Stage and Screen

Fighting stereotypes 1st requires raising awareness among writers, directors and producersInitiatives in small companies and ordinary theatresItaly: Il teatro delle donne: Promoting women dramaUnited Kingdom: Sphinx Theatre Company: Placing Women Centre Stage

Mainstreaming Gender Equality in Film, TV and Theatre (1)

Gender mainstreaming as a global strategyCultural sector in Europe in general is sex-segregated both horizontally and verticallyPolitical will of policy-makers Strong commitment from professional organisations and employersSlovenia: “Making Gender Mainstreaming Work” from Office for Equal Opportunities Sweden: Gender Equality Checklist

Mainstreaming Gender Equality in Film, TV and Theatre (2)

Spain: “Act on effective equality between women and men” and “Mujeres en la cultura” portal

Creating Networks to Provoke a Change

Professionals join to enhance gender equality and fight gender stereotypesRaise awareness among professionals and publicAddress lack of gender equality within their professionsLobby public authorities and the sectorSpain: Association of Female Filmmakers and Audiovisual Media (CIMA)Sweden: The Doris NetworkFrance: “Association H/F” in Rhône-Alpes and region International: Women in Film and Television (WIFTI)

Monitoring Gender Equality and Gender Stereotypes

Proof of gender stereotypes and gender inequalitiesBelgium: Monitoring at the Flemish Radio and Television Network (VRT); MEER (Media Emancipation Effect Report)France: Report on the image of women in the media by French Ministry for Labour and Solidarity

Raising Awareness about Gender Equality and Gender Stereotypes (1)

Tackle gender stereotypes and inequalities in theatre, film and TVAll sorts of activitiesAll sorts of targetsBelgium, Ireland: Women’s film festivalCroatia: Documentary “The Faces of an Actress”Spain: Equality Labels for media and performing arts establishmentsUnited Kingdom: Equity campaign for the equal representation of women in TV, films and drama

Raising Awareness about Gender Equality and Gender Stereotypes (2)

Public debatesConferencesStudies

Conclusions

Initiatives all across EuropeAll different types of actionsNot only in AV sectorWomen’s realistic portrayalSuccess comes with collaborationEconomic argumentGender equality: a form of freedom of expressionThe way forward

EuroFIA Study and HandbookHandbook and 2008 Study available on FIA websitewww.fia-actors.comEnglish, French, Spanish and GermanE-mail: dmurphy@fia-actors.com

“Art can change society and talent is equally shared between genders”

Agnete Haaland, President of FIA