Latest news with #KatiePurcerGolding
Broadcast Pro
07-03-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Rise launches Middle East Chapter to promote gender diversity in broadcast technology
Rise, a global advocacy organisation dedicated to advancing gender diversity in the broadcast and media technology sectors, has officially launched its Middle East Chapter. Timed to coincide with International Women's Day, the initiative aims to increase the representation of women in the region's broadcast industry while strengthening Rise's commitment to mentorship, networking and career development. Since its establishment in 2017, Rise has provided free membership to professionals and aspiring individuals in media technology, offering access to networking events, workshops and conferences. Key initiatives include a six-month global mentoring programme, the Rise Awards celebrating women's achievements in the industry, the Rise Academy's youth outreach efforts, and Rise AV, a newly introduced initiative focusing on gender diversity in the audiovisual sector. Women's workforce participation in the Middle East is growing, with female employment rates reaching 50% in some GCC nations. However, leadership positions remain male-dominated, with women holding only 7% of board seats in GCC companies compared to the global average of 20%. The media sector reflects a similar trend, where women make up 40% of journalists worldwide but occupy just 24% of top editorial roles. The Rise Middle East Chapter seeks to bridge this gap by fostering a strong professional network for women in the industry. The chapter will also have a presence at key industry events, including the Broadcast Summit, Arab Media Forum and CABSAT, to drive conversations on gender diversity. The initiative will be led by Kathey Battrick, Head of Media Management and Library at Asharq News Network, alongside Katie Purcer Golding, Acting Chief Marketing Officer at SRMG, who will oversee marketing and communications efforts. Speaking about the launch, Kathey Battrick said: 'I have admired the global work of Rise for a while, and having lived and worked in the MENA region for over five years, it was only natural to step forward and take on this role. The initiatives in the GCC to promote women in our industry are increasing, and this chapter will serve as a catalyst for even greater progress.' With the launch of its Middle East Chapter, Rise continues to champion inclusivity in the broadcast technology sector, providing women with the tools and opportunities to succeed.
Campaign ME
07-03-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Rise Middle East launches to boost gender diversity in broadcast technology
Rise, the global advocacy organisation dedicated to promoting gender diversity in the broadcast and media technology sectors, has launched its Middle East Chapter. In line with International Women's Day (IWD), a globally recognised celebration of women's achievements and a platform for advocating gender equality, the launch aims to amplify the presence of women in the region's broadcast industry while reinforcing Rise's commitment to empowering women through mentorship, networking and career development initiatives. Established in 2017, Rise offers a variety of programmes and initiatives designed to support and advance women in media technology. The organisation provides free membership to professionals and aspiring individuals in the field, granting access to networking events, workshops and conferences. The Middle East Chapter of Rise will be led by Kathey Battrick, Head of Media Management and Library at Asharq News Network, and Katie Purcer Golding, Acting Chief Marketing Officer at SRMG, who will spearhead marketing and communications efforts for the initiative. 'I have admired the global work of Rise for a while, and having lived and worked in the MENA region for over five years, it was only natural to step forward and take on this role,' said Kathey Battrick. 'The initiatives in the GCC to promote women in our industry are increasing, and this chapter will serve as a catalyst for even greater progress.' Key initiatives of Rise Mentoring programme: A six-month global initiative offering guidance and support from industry experts. A six-month global initiative offering guidance and support from industry experts. Rise Awards: An annual event celebrating outstanding achievements of women in the broadcast industry. An annual event celebrating outstanding achievements of women in the broadcast industry. Rise Academy: A youth outreach program that delivers broadcast engineering and technical workshops to inspire the next generation. A youth outreach program that delivers broadcast engineering and technical workshops to inspire the next generation. Rise AV: A new initiative launched in January 2025 to drive gender diversity in the audiovisual sector. Expanding women's presence in media in the MENA region Women's participation in the workforce across the region is growing at a rapid rate, with female workforce participation rates now reaching up to 50 per cent across the GCC. Despite these gains, women remain significantly underrepresented in leadership positions, holding only about 7 per cent of board seats in GCC companies, compared to a global average of 20 per cent. The media sector also mirrors this trend, with women comprising 40% of journalists globally but only 24 per cent of top editorial positions. Rise's Middle East Chapter seeks to address these challenges by creating a strong network of women who can inspire, support, and collaborate with one another. The chapter will also have a significant presence at major industry events such as the Broadcast Summit, Arab Media Forum, and CABSAT, ensuring that conversations around gender diversity remain at the forefront of industry discussions. With the launch of its Middle East Chapter, Rise continues its mission to foster an inclusive and equitable broadcast technology sector, providing women with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
