Media organisations must prioritise gender-sensitive reporting – Dr. Anjao
By Abimbola Mohammed
Dr. Anne Anjao Eboi, a lecturer in the Strategic and Organisational Communication Department, School of Communication, Daystar University, Kenya, has emphasised the importance of gender-sensitive reporting practices in media organisations.
She made this known during a symposium on Media and Women Empowerment in Africa, organised by the School of Communication and Media Studies at Pan-Atlantic University.
The symposium was organised in commemoration of International Women’s Day (IDW) 2025 with the theme: “Accelerate Action” which emphasises the urgent need to take decisive steps toward achieving gender equality, addressing the slow pace of progress, and empowering women and girls worldwide.
In her words: “What we need to do is to establish and foster policies that promote gender-sensitive reporting. We need to be mindful about the sex language and imagery used in our reporting.”
She noted that despite the existence of policies and regulations that promote gender equality, media organisations in Kenya still grapple with gender-sensitive reporting issues.
“We have a list of strides when it comes to gender equality, including the Matrimonial Property Act, the Marriage Act 2014, and the Marriage Amendment Bill. However, what we find in our media spaces is still a lack of gender-sensitive reporting.”
Dr. Anjao cited a study by Dr. Wambura that analysed the content of a popular radio station in Kenya, Classic 105.2 FM. The study found that the station’s presenters and callers often perpetuated negative stereotypes about women, portraying them as “slay queens” and “macho men.”
“These narratives are not only harmful to women but also to men, if we continue to portray men as inadequate and women as dominant, how can we expect to achieve gender equality?”
She also emphasised the need for media organizations to challenge these negative stereotypes and promote gender-sensitive reporting practices. And called for increased visibility of women as experts and sources in media houses.
“We need to increase the representation of women in our media spaces. We can’t keep having ‘manels’ where only men are represented. We need to create opportunities for women to contribute to our reporting and programming.”
By prioritising gender-sensitive reporting practices, media organisations can play a critical role in promoting gender equality and challenging negative stereotypes about women and men.
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