Challenges of Media Women in Nigeria
CHALLENGES OF MEDIA WOMEN IN NIGERIA
By
ANIMASHAUN Rofiah, Olateju IFRA- Research Fellow, Peace and Conflict Studies Programme, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
rofiatanimashaun@yahoo.com[->0] +234-8038-8166-28 +234-8051-3756-70
Abstract
Recent survey shows that the number of women venturing into media profession have been on decline. This could easily be traced to the manufacture of certain norms and values which tend to restrict women from attaining top positions in their chosen fields. Despite the fact that women constitute more than half of human population in Nigeria, they are often stereotyped, bartered and marginalized when aspiring for leadership office in the professional world. This is the thrust of the paper. The paper focuses on the impact of religion, education, economy, political rights, violence, law, health and reproduction on women, as it considers ‘culture’, among others, a major factor militating against women development. The starting point is to analyse the general perception of women in Nigeria. It also examines the images of women in Nigeria media and concludes by highlighting the challenges of media women in Nigeria.
Keywords: Challenges, Media and Women
INTRODUCTION
Beside gross under-representation of women in the major sectors in Nigeria, the challenges facing women in journalism has continued to preoccupy successive regimes in Nigeria. Apart from its primary basic function: to educate, to entertain and to inform, the media is also charged with the responsibility of protecting the fundamental human rights of every citizen in the country. The mass media and their broadcasters form an important and influential bridge, a crucial channel, between Government and people. As well, they provide lines of
By
ANIMASHAUN Rofiah, Olateju IFRA- Research Fellow, Peace and Conflict Studies Programme, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
rofiatanimashaun@yahoo.com[->0] +234-8038-8166-28 +234-8051-3756-70
Abstract
Recent survey shows that the number of women venturing into media profession have been on decline. This could easily be traced to the manufacture of certain norms and values which tend to restrict women from attaining top positions in their chosen fields. Despite the fact that women constitute more than half of human population in Nigeria, they are often stereotyped, bartered and marginalized when aspiring for leadership office in the professional world. This is the thrust of the paper. The paper focuses on the impact of religion, education, economy, political rights, violence, law, health and reproduction on women, as it considers ‘culture’, among others, a major factor militating against women development. The starting point is to analyse the general perception of women in Nigeria. It also examines the images of women in Nigeria media and concludes by highlighting the challenges of media women in Nigeria.
Keywords: Challenges, Media and Women
INTRODUCTION
Beside gross under-representation of women in the major sectors in Nigeria, the challenges facing women in journalism has continued to preoccupy successive regimes in Nigeria. Apart from its primary basic function: to educate, to entertain and to inform, the media is also charged with the responsibility of protecting the fundamental human rights of every citizen in the country. The mass media and their broadcasters form an important and influential bridge, a crucial channel, between Government and people. As well, they provide lines of
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