Month: August 2010

American author Paco Underhill’s new book, What Women Want is currently generating lots of ink and brisk sales for pointing out what ought be obvious by now: No business can afford to ignore women’s power and presence.

Our dominant influence over broad swaths of consumer spending has been acknowledged (if not accommodated) for decades. Now Underhill charts the degree to which attending to women’s priorities and concerns can make or break even companies in industries that are seemingly far removed from spheres traditionally seen as women’s domain.

Central to his book is the argument that “…by walking the female path, you end up making things better for women and men.” … Another good reason for news media to solicit and feature women’s perspectives on a wide range of issues that affect us all.

In a world wrestling with the challenges presented by massive oil spills, dramatic climate change, a vulnerable global economy and food and water shortages, we need truly “informed opinions” more than ever.

And we need them to reflect and consider the full breadth and diversity of human perspective and experience.

But even in the most equitable of countries, the news sources wielding the most influence are woefully inadequate in this regard. Although women make up 51% of the planet’s population, our views on a broad range of issues are woefully absent from the public discourse. And that’s a problem – for all of us.

Informed Opinions – an initiative of Media Action – aims to help change the imbalance. This site explains why and how– and what you can do to contribute.

We hope you’ll spend a few minutes checking out what we’re up to, and we welcome your feedback, ideas and support.