Gender and Media in Cook Islands

By Nga Teao, National Council of Women (NCW) Cook Islands

The National Council of Women (NCW) serves as a voice for women in the country, representing women on a range of boards and committees.

Although the media are significant channels for disseminating information throughout the country, a critical concern is how to overcome the isolation felt by women living in outlying islands because of limited information and communication opportunities.

The Cook Island NCW has been using the media to promote their women in politics campaigns at national and local level, especially to help the candidates. This has included using talkback radio and TV interviews as well as the production of newsletters and posters to assist female candidates.

Despite the challenges faced by the campaigns, they achieved success at both the local and national levels. Today there are 2 women MPs, out of a total of 24, and 1 woman in Cabinet (out of 7).

The Cook Island’s NCW’s radio programme has been successful in addressing a range of social issues. However, a critical issue in the Cook Islands is that the media sector which is characterized by private ownership poses particular challenges for gender and media activists.