IT was an interesting, though provoking media discussion that was called to debate the role of women in the media.
The theme of the media forum, which brought together journalists and media personnel from across the continent, was
‘Women in Media: Does having a seat at the table equate to a voice?’
The Graça Machel Trust Women in Media Network, CNN and M-Net organised the discussion, which was aimed at challenging the way women and children are represented in the media as well as delve into the social, cultural and economic reasons, women have less than 24 percent voice in the media.
The discussion explored why women are mostly portrayed in stereotypical roles that do not reflect their voice, views, achievements and contributions to society in a balanced and informed way.
It was an interactive discussion that brought to fore comments from male journalists that almost sent tempers flaring among the audience, especially from female journalists.
The panel, which was moderated by CNN journalist Eleni Giokos, included an investment professional Andia Chakava, SiMODiSA managing director Matsi Modise, M-Net Zambezi Magic Channel content executive Kwangu Liwewe and AllAfrica Global Media executive director and co-founder Amadou Mahtar Ba.
Kicking off the discussion was a video message from founder of the Graça Machel Trust, Graça Machel, calling for acknowledgement that the visibility of women in the media remains a stubborn challenge.
According to Mrs Machel, this is despite the achievements and progress that have been recorded in the media industry. She said female journalists have to be recognised in leading positions in media organisations and considered in careers prospects.
“Women have to be present in a meaningful way when development or economic issues are reported on. Africa and the world need to see the faces and hear the voices of successful women entrepreneurs, leading scientists, innovators and community builders,” she said.
Mrs Machel envisaged that such conversations would become a wave of change to open a new reality; one that reflected balanced stories told in ways that women want and deserve their stories to be told.
“Let us embrace the spirit and tap into a wealth of knowledge, expertise and take a decisive step towards redefining a voice and a place for women in the media,” she said.
AllAfrica Global Media executive director and co-founder Mr Mahtar Ba said Africa would benefit US$28 trillion by 2025 towards the gross domestic product (GDP) by creating space for them to contribute and empowering them.
He said influence plays a critical role not only in the newsroom but also in society as a whole.
And responding to a comment from one of the journalists who claimed that the challenge with female journalists is that they concentrate on soft news, Mr Mahtar Basaid there is nothing wrong with women or men specialising in soft news.
“The world as we know it today needs more of soft news. Secondly, there is a lot to be said on the barriers that prevent women from excelling. Women journalists need to be supported and it starts in the marriages, families and to the newsroom,” he said.
And M-Net Zambezi Magic Channel content executive Ms Liwewe said mentorship is important for women journalists.
She observed that although it is difficult for female journalists to rise in the media, it is important for them to remain focused, committed and passionate about what they do, especially in the absence of mentorship programmes.
On the issue of female journalists preferring soft news over hard news such politics and business, Ms Liwewe said it is vital to recognise that most newsrooms are male-dominated and that assignment supervisors, who are mostly male, are the ones who assign female journalists to go in the field and opt to give male journalists hard news assignments.