Global Media and Information Literacy Feature Conference

I am honored to be here today and participate in this important discussion. I will be speaking in my capacity as the Swedish Ambassador to UNESCO, and as the Chairperson of UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC).

Before talking about how media information literacy can promote gender equality and strengthen democracy, and the role UNESCO and Sweden plays, it is necessary to start with the context in which we are working.

An unfortunate global trend that we see is that democracy is in decline. In many countries, democratic principles and processes are being undermined, the rule of law scorned and human rights increasingly restricted and called into question. Propaganda and disinformation risk undermining the political development of several countries, including in our vicinity.

It is becoming more and more difficult for civil society, human rights defenders and media actors – democracy’s voice bearers – to do their work. Those who speak out against unjust laws and government practices, challenge public opinion or those in power, and demand justice, equality, dignity and freedom, are being increasingly targeted. 

The internet has become an integrated component in both private and public everyday life. We have seen how this has led to powerful interests utilizing digital media to create and spread disinformation, undermining democratic procedures and fueling conflict. At the same time the internet has opened avenues for more voices to be heard. The impact of the internet and social media has led to citizens being better informed and contributed towards a growing and more independent civil society in many places.

Still, in many contexts women have little if any access to public spaces. In these situations, the internet is sometimes one of few areas accessible to women. But the shrinking democratic space is also affecting women’s opportunities to access, participate and contribute through the internet and is thereby reinforcing the gender digital divide. 

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which celebrates its 25^th anniversary in 2020, emphasizes women and the media as a critical area of concern for the advancement of women’s rights. It formulates two strategic objectives, which are intrinsically linked to media and information literacy: “to increase the participation and access of women to expression and decision-making in and through the media and new technologies of communication” and “to promote a balanced and non-stereotyped portrayal of women in the media”. 

Addressing the two objectives requires specific competencies, which critically examine the way in which media is produced and consumed. These competencies are englobed in the concept of Media and Information Literacy. Such literacy empowers citizens to become active members of society, and to hold influential public and commercial actors to account. This skill is thereby essential to ensuring a functioning democratic society.

To be media and information literate requires access to information in the first place, and this is far from evident for women in many societies and across the socio-economic spectrum. Not only cultural and social norms risk impeding women’s access to information – lack of proper infrastructure in terms of connectivity and access to devices may also prevent women from access to information. We know that around the world there is a wide gap between women’s and men’s connectivity. According to the OECD, worldwide 327 million fewer women than men have a smartphone and can access mobile internet. Women are on average 26% less likely than men to have a smartphone. In South Asia and Africa these proportions stand at 70% and 34% respectively. Just pause and think about these numbers. They tell us that we need specific action and support to ensure that we can close this gender digital divide. It will not happen automatically.

Despite all the challenges, there is a way forward. Agenda 2030 provides an opportunity to counter the shrinking democratic space and the gender gap.

Enhancing gender equality by means of increased media and information literacy has the potential to inspire truly gender-transformative actions. It can contribute to achieving the global goal of gender equality and women’s empowerment, as formulated in SDG 5. 

Similarly, SDG 16 peaceful and inclusive societies, and particularly target 10, for which UNESCO has a special responsibility, remind us of the obligation of the international community to “ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms”. It is not a coincidence that “information” and “freedom” are mentioned together in this global goal. Being able to take informed decisions on aspects that shape our lives is a fundamental right for all people. 

Quality journalism is per se an antidote to disinformation. Thus, complementary to empowering audiences and social network users through Media and Information Literacy, UNESCO works to upskill journalists and overall media capacity, so that media content adds light, not heat, to public debate. Excellence in journalism education, capacity for gender and conflict sensitive journalism, and overall support to the development of free and independent media are long-standing priorities of UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC). Safety of journalists, and especially of women journalists, who are more exposed to harassment both on-line and off-line, is an important component of the IPDC.

 For the last 40 years, the Programme has supported journalists and media in developing countries recognizing their contribution to society as a fundamental pillar of development and democracy. 

However, to play this role, journalism and media need press freedom. For UNESCO, an enabling environment needs legislation frameworks that are conducive to press freedom and freedom of expression, as well as professional empowerment, and effective systems for self-regulation and accountability.

As a response to the challenge democracy is facing globally, the Swedish government has recently launched a drive for democracy. 

We are stepping up our efforts to protect democratic principles in all contexts, such as citizen participation, human rights, representative government, gender equality, separation of powers, the rule of law, free media, independent institutions, social equality and integration. 

We want to do this in collaboration with other states, international bodies and civil society. We especially want to engage young people in the debate and in endeavors to strengthen and promote democratic societies. 

An integral part of our drive for democracy is working to ensure that women enjoy the same rights, resources and representation as men. In parallel to the drive for democracy, Sweden will continue to pursue a feminist foreign policy throughout the world. Democracy is not possible if half the population is not fully included. We see that a growing number of countries are being inspired and are following our lead. 

In addition to our support through multilateral organizations, like UNESCO, Sweden, through bilateral development cooperation, supports a broad range of measures to strengthen women’s empowerment. The gender perspective is mainstreamed so nearly 85 per cent of Swedish bilateral development cooperation directly or indirectly promotes gender equality. This is a very high proportion in an international comparison.

The drive for democracy will be reflected in all areas of Swedish foreign policy, including in our development cooperation. Sweden’s global support to promote and strengthen democracy has increased to SEK 1 billion. It includes support to independent journalism and a free and pluralistic media environment, in order to strengthen democratic dialogue and counter disinformation and propaganda. Virtually all Sweden’s bilateral development cooperation strategies set objectives for democracy, which is very telling of Sweden’s broad approach to democracy support. 

Finally, protecting democracy means promoting peace, prosperity and social equality. It is encouraging to be here at this conference with people, not least from the young generation, who want to participate in this endeavor. 

Thank you for your attention.