Public Affairs Officer of the Ghana Journalists Association, Rebecca Ekpe has presented a statement to support the discussions on Gender Equality in the Ghanaian Media.
The presentation was made at the launch of an MFWA-CFI Strategic Document on Advancing Gender Equality in the Ghanaian Media.
It was on the theme:
“Empowering Women’s Voices: Achieving Gender Equality in Ghana’s Media Houses”
FULL TEXT OF SPEECH BELOW:
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and fellow media practitioners, (all Protocols)
Let me commend Media Foundation for West Africa and the CFI on the project ‘’Equal Voices-promoting gender Equality in the media’’.
GJA is happy to have been associated with this project particularly being part of the four (4), strategic dialogues and validation meetings.
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and fellow media practitioners,
Today, I stand before you to address a critical issue that has far-reaching implications for our society: gender equality in Ghana’s media houses. As we strive for a more inclusive and equitable world, it is imperative that we recognize the pivotal role the media plays in shaping our perceptions and attitudes towards gender.
The Current State of Affairs
Despite significant progress in recent years, women remain underrepresented in Ghana’s media landscape. According to a recent study, women make up only 16% of news sources and 12% of news anchors in Ghanaian media. This glaring disparity perpetuates a cycle of invisibility, silencing women’s voices and perspectives.
The Consequences of Inequality
The lack of gender equality in the media has far-reaching consequences. It:
– Perpetuates stereotypes and biases, reinforcing harmful gender norms.
– Limits the diversity of perspectives and ideas, leading to a lack of nuanced and informed reporting.
– Fosters a culture of exclusion, where women’s voices are marginalized and ignored.
A Call to Action
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and fellow media practitioners,
To address this pressing issue, I urge media houses in Ghana to take the following steps:
- *Increase women’s representation*: Strive for parity in hiring practices, ensuring that women are equally represented in newsrooms, on air, and in leadership positions.
- *Promote diverse storytelling*: Encourage reporters to seek out diverse sources and perspectives, ensuring that women’s voices and experiences are amplified.
- *Provide training and capacity-building*: Offer workshops and training programs to help journalists recognize and challenge biases, promoting more inclusive and nuanced reporting.
- *Foster a culture of inclusivity*: Encourage open dialogue and collaboration, creating a work environment where women feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute.
Ladies and Gentlemen, achieving gender equality in Ghana’s media houses is not only a moral imperative but also a necessary step towards creating a more just and equitable society. By working together, we can empower women’s voices, challenge harmful stereotypes, and promote a more inclusive and nuanced media landscape.
Let us unite in this effort, recognizing that a more equitable media is a more powerful tool for social change.
Thank you!