A NEW female empowerment event has been announced to inspire more women to get into 'male-dominated industries'.

Last year data collected by Reuters Institute found only 22 per cent of the 180 top editors across the 240 brands covered are women.

The event 'Empowering Women in Media' hopes to tackle issues faced in the industry and hear the stories of female professionals. 

The event will feature talks by panellists Emma Vardy, BBC News Ireland correspondent, Kenzie Benali, an independent broadcaster, and Charlotte Butt, Wave 105 broadcast journalist.

Emma Vardy from said: "Some of the newsrooms I worked in early on in my career were heavily male-dominated, particularly when it came to sports coverage.

"But that’s hugely changing and I’m glad to say there are now lots of inspiring women holding prominent roles in many different areas of the media. 

"I think it is important for women to be able to envision themselves in the top jobs, whether it’s on-air, in board rooms, or in politics.

"Because as long as you have the skills, talent and work ethic to back it up our media landscape is becoming more varied and exciting than ever. 

"But it’s also clear that no matter how brilliant or successful you are there are some issues which women in particular may come up against.

"The misogynistic nature of some online abuse for example, sadly experienced by many women in public facing roles.

"So I think it’s great that we are providing a platform for women to discuss their ambitions and to be able to talk openly about some of the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead."

The event has been organised by John Cousins from Six Point Media who found that when hiring for a social media role the only applicants were men. 

He said: "The event is not about making money. We have 500 tickets available free for schools, colleges, universities, and charities. 

"We hope to get young women and girls inspired to get in media industries."

The event will take place later this year at the Kings Conference Centre in Hedge End, on November 3 at 6.30 pm.

For more information visit the website.

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