Council of Europe Condemns Gender Bias in Film and Issues Recommendations on How to Fight It
Europe’s leading human rights group, the Council of Europe, has published the Recommendation on Gender Equality in the Audiovisual Sector. In addition to being a strong rebuke to gender inequality in film, the recommendation is also a call for businesses and governments to “promote practical solutions” to ensure men and women are treated fairly in the industry. The first pan-European recommendation centered on sexism in the film industry, the document highlights the lack of awareness about gender inequality, the ubiquity of conscious and unconscious gender bias, and the lack of equal funding for male and female filmmakers.
A large cross-section of international experts from European funds and broadcasters worked together to write the recommendation, and feedback was provided by industry execs and academics.
In addition to acknowledging the raw deal women face in the industry, the Council called on European governments to overhaul legislation, support research on gender inequality, conduct and publish its own research, and “enhance the accountability processes.”
The recommendation also outlines how government officials can monitor the state of gender equality in film as well as how to collect data and take necessary action.
“We’re delighted the 47 member states of the Council of Europe have adopted the recommendation on gender equality in the audiovisual sector, which is packed full of useful ideas to tackle gender inequality,” a rep from Eurimages, Europe’s co-production fund, told The Hollywood Reporter. “It also has detailed strategies that member states can use to address and counter gender inequality directly.”
You can read the Council of Europe’s entire recommendation on the organization’s website.
