Britain’s first public lecture on the MeToo movement in the photojournalism industry took place at the Frontline Club on Monday 29th October, discussing the issues of misconduct and how to report cases safely.
There has been a lack of institutional responses, despite numerous cases of harassment has prompted a discussion over the safety of journalists working in industry. Yumna Al-Arashi, a photojournalist campaigning for women’s representation and shattering stereotypes within the industry, suggests there is “no place for women to go to seek support” and nobody to report to in freelance journalism.
86% of the industry consists of white male photo staff, while only 15% of working news photographers are women. Whisper networks have been used to anonymously share stories and provide form of protection, but don’t provide a way to call people out for misconduct.
This raises the issue of how to report misconduct safely, and confidentially, when there isn’t a clear definition of what is considered problematic behaviour, sexual misconduct, or rape. There remains an industrial reluctance to acknowledge these issues as they don’t necessarily impact the majority.
In some cases, reports of misconduct are actively covered up, such as within FOX News, a media giant with thousands of employees. The movement is being driven by women, yet men are encouraged to use their privilege, push for greater change and stop predators thriving.
Progress is slowly being made with a growing awareness of imbalance.
The Washington Post annual party was cancelled in an effort to limit the situations where these problems occur, and more women are making changes to contracts to protect themselves from uncomfortable situations, without damaging their careers.
The Frontline Club’s first public talk on the MeToo movement raised important questions about how to tackle the issues of sexual harassment, gender discrimination and institutional responses. A wide range of perspectives from both men and women have began a public endeavour to openly discuss the way MeToo can benefit individuals in the photojournalism industry.
Watch the full discussion; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMUpjZHsKXA