TORONTO – The vast majority of women working in Canada’s screen-based media sector say that they face gender-based obstacles to advancement in their career, according to new research released Monday by the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA).
Women and Leadership: A study of Gender Parity and Diversity in Canada’s Screen Industries reports that 87% of women respondents, (and 83% of all respondents), believe that women face unique career limitations in the sector, not encountered by men, with the most significant obstacles identified as pay inequity and lack of recognition for performance.
Conducted by Duopoly between August and November 2016, the study also includes a global analysis of programs, policies, and legislation implemented to improve gender parity in the entertainment business in other jurisdictions, and identifies best practices that could be adopted in Canada.
“This study not only provides us with data to further quantify the problem in Canada, it also gives us an extensive summary of effective tools, proven elsewhere, that can help us address and improve the gender disparity issue that we know exists here,” said CMPA president and CEO Reynolds Mastin, in the report’s news release. “Our content is at its best when it reflects the perspectives and experiences of all Canadians, and we look forward to working with our partners across the sector to ensure opportunity for all.”
In summary, the study recommends the creation of a 360° inclusion strategy that includes tactics to meaningfully address the components of disclosure and research, financial incentives, conscious inclusion initiatives, skills training, portrayal of women on screen, and diversity within gender.
The content of the report will be discussed during the Women and Leadership in Media roundtable on February 3 at 11:30 AM during the CMPA’s Prime Time in Ottawa conference.
