Meet GMMP Jamaica & the Caribbean Coordinator Hilary Nicholson

07 Apr Meet GMMP Jamaica & the Caribbean Coordinator Hilary Nicholson

Name: Hilary Nicholson
GMMP Coordinator for: Jamaica & the Caribbean region
Since: 2000 (Jamaica) and 2005 (Caribbean region)

Why are you a GMMP coordinator? What motivated you to lead the GMMP?

I have participated in the GMMP since the GMMP was born – in 1995. For our organization, WMW Jamaica (formerly Women’s Media Watch), the media is absolutely central to our work on gender justice in the media and the prevention of gender-based violence. So, I was excited about the GMMP because we see a direct link between media portrayal of women and gender, and gender equality or inequality in real life, including gender-based violence. The GMMP is a perfect fit for us! 

I really wanted to see the GMMP continue in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean, so I agreed to be the national coordinator for Jamaica for the 2nd GMMP in 2000. Then I became the Caribbean regional coordinator. I enjoy the research – and getting some surprising results!

How are you using the GMMP methodology, tools and findings? How have any of these dimensions of the GMMP shaped the work of your organization, institution or network?

For over 20 years, I have applied the GMMP methodology in a course for students of journalism and communications at the Caribbean School of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) at the University of the West Indies. I teach them to use the GMMP coding tools and techniques. They learn how to monitor and explore the news media using a gender lens – it is often eye-opening for them.

We have also used the GMMP methodology to monitor the Jamaica news media in the years in between the GMMP editions. WMW Jamaica has become the national face of GMMP.

At the regional level, I have had the opportunity to teach the GMMP methodology to national coordinators in other countries and the networking can be interesting. In 2015, working with Belize, I applied the GMMP methodology to monitor the representation of female political candidates, in the period coming up to Belize’s national elections. The GMMP has been an important milestone, every 5 years, for WMW Jamaica.

What positive change has the GMMP driven in your context? What contribution has it made to the process towards gender equality in or through the media?

Coordinating the production – and launch – of GMMP reports has given WMW Jamaica a profile and reputation with the mainstream media in Jamaica – they are interested in, if not always convinced by, the research data that shows the need for more gender equality in the news media. We have used the data for advocacy and lobbying the media, and there is less sexism, stereotyping, and other forms of gender inequality in news media.

As we look to the GMMP’s 30th anniversary now in 2025, why do you believe that it is crucial for the GMMP to continue?

It is crucial for the GMMP to continue: We need the GMMP data to continue to advocate for more gender equality in the news media. And reducing gender inequality, sexism and stereotyping in the news media can contribute to reducing gender-based violence in real life.

Hilary Nicholson (left in photo) is a founding member of WMW Jamaica, formerly Women’s Media Watch.

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