IFJ Gender Council re-elects chair, expands global board

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 14 April 2026 |  JP Global Monitoring

The IFJ Gender Council elected its leadership for 2026-2029, re-electing María Ángeles Samperio as chair with 75% of the vote and appointing a new 11-member Steering Committee. The council expanded regional representation with 29 union representatives.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Gender Council has elected its new leadership for the 2026–2029 term, reaffirming its global push for gender equality in journalism while expanding regional representation across its governing structures.

María Ángeles Samperio of Spain’s FAPE was re-elected as chairperson for a third consecutive term, securing 75 percent of the vote in a week-long online ballot that concluded on April 12. The vote underscores continuity in leadership at a time when gender equity remains a central priority for the federation.

Gender council leadership and structure

The newly formed Steering Committee, which serves as the council’s executive board, comprises 11 members drawn from IFJ-affiliated unions worldwide. Samim Sultana Ahdmed of India has been elected vice chair, while Williette James of Sierra Leone will serve as secretary.

The Gender Council operates as a non-political advisory and policy body within the IFJ, tasked with guiding initiatives on gender equality, union representation, and ethical journalism practices. It convenes during IFJ Global Congresses and mid-term meetings, shaping strategies that influence member unions globally.

Regional representation broadens reach

The council’s broader composition includes 29 representatives from journalist unions and associations across regions, reflecting a deliberate effort to ensure geographic diversity. Newly elected regional coordinators include representatives from Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

From the Asia-Pacific region, Pakistani journalist Javeria Siddique, affiliated with the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), has been elected as regional coordinator alongside Indonesia’s Nurul Nur Azizah. Their roles will involve coordinating gender-focused initiatives and strengthening collaboration among unions in the region.

The council’s evolving mandate follows a significant decision at the 2022 IFJ Global Congress in Oman, where amendments granted the Gender Council chair full voting rights on the IFJ Executive Committee, elevating the body’s influence within the federation’s highest decision-making platform.

In a statement following her re-election, Samperio emphasized the need for renewed commitment to supporting women journalists and ensuring that IFJ affiliates adopt concrete strategies to advance gender equality within their organizations. She also highlighted the importance of broad geographic representation as the council prepares for the IFJ’s centenary congress in Paris.

WHY THIS MATTERS: The appointment of a Pakistani representative to a key regional role highlights growing international engagement by Pakistan’s journalist unions on gender issues. For local newsrooms, this signals increased opportunities to align with global standards on workplace equity, safety, and inclusion. It also underscores the importance of institutional mechanisms to address gender disparities within Pakistan’s media sector.

ATTRIBUTION: Reporting by JournalismPakistan, based on publicly available statement from the International Federation of Journalists (April 13, 2026).

PHOTO: By Frédéric de Bellaing/circulated by IFJ