Got a tip? Send it to us at manila@coconuts.co.
Tala Collective, a group of female Filipino photographers, issued a statement protesting the recent job advertisement in The Philippine Star‘s May 22 issue. The group also posted an image showing the ad in question. We’re reposting the full statement of the group below:
RELATED: Female photojournalists tell their story
Statement on The Philippine Star’s job advertisement for photojournalist
The Tala Photo Collective is appalled and dismayed by the sexist and age-discriminating job advertisement of The Philippine Star, which appeared on its Facebook Page last May 22, 2015.
For many years, women photographers have proven themselves in every field imaginable – from photojournalism, conflict, documentary, art, sports, and conceptual photography, among others. In photojournalism, we can instantly give out a number of women photojournalists who created a name of their own, both here and abroad. It is disappointing that The Philippines Star, hailed as one of the Philippines’ leading newspapers, failed to see this and appreciate what women photojournalists can contribute to their paper – and to the society, in general.
We ask, why the preference for male photographers? Why limit the hiring process to 21 to 25 year olds? These appalling ‘qualifications’ effectively disenfranchise many people, and not necessarily by their talent or skills.
The Philippine Star‘s preference shows how the paper is lagging behind in the promotion of gender equality when most societies encourage women to take leadership roles in academic, political, and professional practice.
Lastly, The Philippine Star sets a very bad example by showing that it is ok to post sexist and age-discriminating job ads such as this one.
We hope that The Philippine Star will one day see beyond a photographer’s gender and age and instead appreciate talent and skill in its hiring process.
We’re now waiting for The Philippine’s Star‘s response on the issue.
