Gender editors: Radiography and challenges of a position that ensures gender equality

Abstract

 Introduction. The gender editors’ role was made to increase gender equality in the news and provide an inclusive perspective to help closing the existing gender gaps in society, through media representation. Objectives. The main objective of this study is to raise awareness about the gender editors’ role to eliminate sexist biases in the news, with emphasis on the political press from Spain and the United States. Methodology. The study has contemplated a bibliographical review of this topic, as well as interviews with gender editors. Results. This analysis reveals the emergence, development, obstacles and new frontiers that professionals in this position face to fulfill their work, as a key role in the media that seek to effectively integrate the gender perspective. This is particularly shown in the political section, which has the biggest gender gaps. Conclusions and discussion. The media, as a reflection of society, demonstrate the current lack of gender inclusion and perpetuate it. Gender editors have the potential to contribute to closing the remaining gaps in the media and even in society, which is particularly relevant in the political sector. For this reason, it is essential to make its impact visible in order to reduce the exclusion of women in public life.