POLICY BRIEF #35: Finally beyond the status quo? An analysis of steps taken to improve gender equality in the European audiovisual sector.

More than a decade ago, the #MeToo movement started. #MeToo got a new momentum in 2017, after shocking revelations of incidences of sexual harassment against women. The discussions rapidly focused on general inequalities women face in the audiovisual sector in Europe. The impact can be seen in the uprise of many new initiatives and reports on gender issues. We argue that it is now time to look back on initiatives taken in Europe and to see what we can learn from it to move forward. Following up on Policy Brief #31on gender equality in the Flemish film sector, Dilara Asardag and Marlen Komorowski of imec-SMIT-VUB conducted a study on gender equality in the audiovisual sector in Europe. Their research is part of a wider report for the European Expert Network on Culture and Audiovisual (EENCA). The study is based on an analysis of a substantial range of reports and interviews with experts. The findings offer an entry point for those who seek specific support in designing and implementing interventions regarding the situation of women and aim to foster debate about rationales, intervention logics and the opportunities and limits of reports and initiatives.