Women and the Media Force

Over the years, there have been great discussions about women representation at different levels – globally, regionally and locally. These discussions have brought together persons of different backgrounds and affiliations – from professional scholars, medias, human and women’s rights activists, feminists, clerics, traditional leaders, law-makers, law-enforcement personnel to victims of violence. The purposes of these have been to identify the causes; investigate the purpose of the cause, analyzed and report and advocate against all forms of discrimination on women.

Thus the debates has continuously remain on the main agenda on most international and national forums; upon which various opinions and strategies have been identified and screened for public or private utility. The media outlets on the other hand play vital roles in addressing these acts of Gender Based Violence, Violence on women etc.

The media has contributed formidably to bringing incidences of women violation to the public space. It is worth noting that different portals play different roles. As a result, people tune on to these information outlets for different (or personal) and / or similar reasons; depending on individual interest. For instance; entrepreneurs may tuned on for market trend and exchange, politicians might be interested in the economic development, but specifically on the political happenings around the globe. Meanwhile, a cross majority of the population may be interested in celebrity and celibacy gossips, talk-shows and advocacy outreach programs etc.

The media is such a wide world, rich and always ready to deliver topical issues. However, the media portrait of issues related to gender violence is not immune to castigation. In most cases, women are depicted as victims of violence and not analysts (or agents). Stories and images of accomplished women on every day walk of life hardly make headline news. In context where these make news, it is instead termed as an anomalies; e.g. Just recently, all over the Medias, the news is on how the New York Times appointed the First Female Editor after 160years of existence. This is just one of the many stories of women; such as CEO of mega Corporates, World Nobel Prize Award, Astronauts, World Bank President, Caterpillars Driver (Mechanics)…which are all aired/viewed as, very unusual. What therefore I don’t understand is why these are seen to be the unusual cases. or considered as the men’s jobs.

Of course, the media is patriarchal in nature and stereotyped. And since it serves as a source for information to most people, it is very possible for it to influence its viewers’ perception on the of value women. Thus, there is need for the media to apply more effective measures in representing women.

Once more, I recommend that women’s image be properly represented at all levels and not to be sensationalized.

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