Women’s Media Watch (WMW)

Media are one of the most powerful tools which shape Jamaicans’ morals, values, perceptions and expectations, yet they have a relatively uncritical and unmonitored presence in citizens’ lives. Sexism, gender stereotypes and violence in the media are often absorbed uncritically to the point that they are seen as acceptable and even expected. The project will reveal the perpetuation of gender stereotyping for both women and men in the media. It will build self awareness among men on the negative portrayals of masculinity and stereotyped aggression; and offer men alternative ways of being men. The majority of the target groups are low income young women and men, most of whom were raised in single parent households where they have been exposed to high levels of gender based violence, media violence and community violence. The project adopts a mixed strategy of gender media research training for students and community groups, media literacy training and production of print, radio and television broadcasts. WMW is a largely volunteer network immersed in advocacy for women’s rights and shaping the media landscape since 1987.