News
Increasing women scientists’ voices in the media
"It is important for the public to receive diverse information, including the voices of women experts. Content will be more qualitative and stronger. RTBF provides tools to experts who feel the need to gain self-confidence. Above all, this issue of trust takes precedence - trust gained by understanding the world of the media in a concrete way, its expectations, and the role they can play within it," said Safia Kessas, Director and Head of Diversity at RTBF.
Women experts remain significantly underrepresented in the media, which plays a powerful role in shaping public perceptions. To address this disparity, Safia Kessas created and has been hosting media coaching sessions for women since 2017 at the RTBF studios in Brussels. Inspired by this innovative experience within public service media, UNESCO, in collaboration with RTBF, is now working to introduce media coaching for women in science as part of its Call to Action “Closing the Gender Gap in Science”. The goal is to bridge the visibility gap, empowering women scientists with the skills and confidence to step into the spotlight, connect with wider audiences, and become visible role models.
In this context, two Belgian scientists from the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Programme, Adriana Jalba and Evelyne Collignon, were recently invited to participate in a day of immersive training led by RTBF journalists.
Behind the scenes
Adriana, Evelyne, and ten other experts were guided step-by-step through the essentials of effective communication, practicing their skills across diverse formats - from sharing their expertise in a professional radio studio to talking to a phone camera for social media and addressing current events in a television newsroom. The experts also visited the newsroom with an editor-in-chief and exchanged experiences with a TV anchor, gaining insights into the fast-paced world of live broadcasting. The day ended with a constructive feedback session in a supportive environment, leaving the experts equipped and prepared to approach media opportunities as natural, relatable, and empowered voices.
Breaking barriers, inspiring futures
Approaches like RTBF’s coaching help women scientists feel confident to engage with the media, while fostering connections with journalists, enriching the media with diverse perspectives and creating space for voices that have long been underrepresented.
By amplifying women’s voices and breaking down stereotypes, such initiatives are rewriting the narrative. These women are an inspiration for young girls interested in science and an example of the many opportunities a career in science can offer. This is why UNESCO, alongside RTBF, are exploring ways to expand similar media coaching programmes worldwide, building on the success of this coaching day.
