News Media Europe President Fernando de Yarza signed today a declaration for Europe’s corporate tech leaders to achieve gender balance in their companies and equal opportunity for their human capital at the #Digital4Her Conference organised by the Digital Economy and Society Commissioner Mariya Gabriel, The Declaration was signed by 20 representatives of digital industries operating in the Digital Single Market. The signature took place in conjunction with the Digital4Her conference that focused on the increasingly salient issue of gender equality in digital industries in Europe.

By signing the declaration, NME commits to working with its members to address the issue of gender equality in the media. The declaration is timely, following a recent own-initiative report by the European Parliament on the media sector in the EU by MEP Michaela Šojdrová.

The declaration, at the initiative of Digital Economy Commissioner Maryia Gabriel, acknowledges that a case for action can be made not only by virtue of the principle of non-discrimination, but also from a business perspective.

The declaration supports five actions:

1. Instill an inclusive, open, female-friendly company culture
2. Recruit and invest in diversity
3. Give women in tech their voice and visibility
4. Create the leaders of the future
5. Become an advocate of change

NME President De Yarza commented: “Today I signed this declaration as News Media Europe recognizes the importance of gender equality in digital sectors, including news media. I’m grateful to the European Commission for its efforts in encouraging the creation of an environment that balances the conditions for women in our sector”.

About News Media Europe:

News Media Europe (NME) represents the progressive news media industry in Europe –  over 2200 European news brands in print or online, and also on radio and tv. NME is committed to maintaining and promoting the freedom of the press, to upholding and enhancing the freedom to publish, and to championing the news brands which are one of the most vital parts of Europe’s creative industries.

For further information please contact:

Wout van Wijk, Executive Director, wout.vanwijk@newsmediaeurope.eu