Promoting Gender Equality in Media Content: A Limitation or Extension of Freedom of Expression?

Abstract

Is promoting gender equality in media content a limitation or an extension of freedom of expression? This question addresses the complicated intertwining of two political values essential in a democratic system. Whereas freedom of expression has long been safeguarded in international and national legal instruments, gender equality was established as a human right more recently. Fulfilling the goal of gender equality in media content through regulation is often perceived as a limitation of freedom of expression by the media industry as well as policymakers. Both self-regulation and regulation through legislation are needed to achieve gender equality in media content when it comes to eliminating gender stereotypes and combating sexist hate speech. Measures to safeguard gender equality in the media should be understood as expanding freedom of expression. It demands a system that goes far beyond protecting the individual right to free speech and the right to freedom from discrimination.