MFWA launches strategy document to promote gender equity in media
By Deborah Asantewaah SARFO
Despite its advocacy for gender equity, the Fourth Estate continues to struggle with the same issues.
In addressing these matters within the media landscape, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has taken a bold step by introducing a strategic document to promote gender equity in media.
It addresses issues such as underrepresentation of women in leadership, media content among others. Additionally, it aims at equipping both male and female journalists to address the unbalanced nature of presentation in media narratives.
The document is a product of vigorous engagement, research and reflection by MFWA with support from Canal France International (CFI). It forms part of the ‘Equal Voices Project’ implemented by MFWA and CFI.
As stated by Rosemond Ebi-Adwo Aryeetey, who serves as the Senior Programme Manager for Media for Democracy and Good Governance at MFWWA, this initiative emerged from research carried out by CFI during 2020–2021. The study centered on issues related to gender equality and portrayal within media landscapes across Africa—specifically examining conditions in four nations: Ghana, Niger, Côte d'Ivoire, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Over the past two years (2023-2025), the project has been operational in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire.
She mentioned that the strategy document includes contributions from various perspectives within academia, government officials, media organizations, and reporters—highlighting the importance of action and cooperation among crucial participants in advancing the cause of gender equality.
Ms. Aryeetey consequently determined that "achieving gender equity requires more than mere commitment or policies; it necessitates action and collaboration."
She observed that the document corresponds with MFWA’s strategic objective of empowering women and resonates with CFI’s fundamental principles. At both the domestic and global levels, it adheres to the Affirmative Action legislation and ties into Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number five.
Dr. Charity Binka, the Lead Consultant for the project and also the Executive Director of Women and Change (WOMEC), pointed out that within media organizations nationwide, less than 30 percent of leadership positions are occupied by women, with even fewer progressing to senior roles like editor-in-chief, managing director, or CEO.
She pointed out that the document encompasses anti-harassment and sexual harassment guidelines; provisions supporting maternity leave and reproductive health; offers adaptable work settings for parents and caretakers; and provides easily accessible and private channels for reporting incidents of gender-based violence and harassment.
Ms. Binka encouraged proprietors of different media organizations within the nation to adopt these policies and arrange workshops aimed at enhancing the capabilities of both journalists and management personnel in comprehending gender inequality matters.
At the event kickoff, Marine Hayem, who serves as the Cooperation Attachée at the French Embassy, highlighted the distinctive methodology of the document regarding the common challenges faced by all parties involved. She also elaborated on the actionable strategies laid out within, complete with precise deadlines and concrete actions to be taken.
"I believe what distinguishes this strategy is that it doesn’t merely resemble a theoretical document; instead, it is firmly rooted in practical realities. The action plan includes concrete and actionable steps complete with defined timelines and activities — which I consider crucial," she stated.
She likewise highlighted the significance of media in influencing societies, their citizens, and policies; stressing that " Equity isn't merely about justice, but profoundly affects the caliber of democracy."
In a statement delivered on his behalf, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Albert Kwabena Dwumfour highlighted several concrete measures that media organizations should implement to advance gender equality within the industry.
These steps enhance women’s participation and aim for equality in recruitment procedures, promoting cultural inclusion among journalists. He encouraged them to actively search for varied viewpoints from sources and guarantee that women’s voices and experiences are highlighted.
He emphasized that attaining gender equality in media organizations is not merely an ethical obligation but "an essential move towards building a fairer and more equitable society."
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
