Research conducted by the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) shows that the media often discriminates against women in public appointive positions at the national level, showcasing them as incompetent while offering more neutral reporting on men holding similar positions.
The findings also show that media reporting of women in such positions is often descriptive, judgmental, and personality-based, while that of men is factual, technical, and competency-based.
Speaking on the research, Senior Adviser on Gender dRPC, Dr. Plangsat Dayil, said poor gender reporting has also hampered the decision for other women to take up such positions, as it will affect how they choose to display themselves before the public.
She said, “Many reports online about women in appointive positions tend to focus on the woman’s personal life and looks, which are unconnected to the issue at hand. However, when reporting about men in the same positions, they focus on technicalities and expertise and maintain a professional front.
“The research focuses on how media reportage affects women in appointive positions, not necessarily on the reason why women were sacked in this position. Which is why our recommendations are based on how the media can change the narratives to ensure that women are reported in the same manner as men. Issues about personal life, family, and beauty shouldn’t be raised.”
Dr Dayil also noted that the research showed a lot of sensational reporting when it came to women in appointive positions as compared to men, even when both genders were disengaged from the same positions.
The executive director of the dRPC, Dr. Judith Ann Walker, noted that as the world celebrated World Development Information Day, it was important to share these research findings, which will support and aid gender development and policies in the country.
