By Elizabeth Namajja
Kampala, Uganda. Female activists in Uganda have raised their voices against the insufficient coverage of gender-sensitive issues by the local media especially those that affect them most.
These concerns came up during the launch of Women’s Month at Hotel Africana in Kampala, where activists expressed their distress over the underreporting and underrepresentation of women’s issues.
Led by Margret Sentamu, the Executive Director of Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA), the women argued that this lack of attention largely contributes to the persistence of unresolved challenges faced by women in the country.
The month of March is globally recognised as Women’s Month and is dedicated to highlighting the needs and contributions of women that often go unnoticed.
The month serves as a platform for celebrating women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements, while also functioning as a call to action for accelerating progress towards gender equality.
According to Sentamu, there’s an urgent need for fair visibility of women in the decision-making process for social change which is a crucial aspect in advancing gender equality.
This campaign aligns well with the main theme of International Women’s Day: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.”
As Uganda prepares to celebrate this day on March 8, 2024, Sentamu asserts that it is not just about recognising prominent women but also reflecting on and addressing the issues that continue to affect women, urging for increased media coverage of these concerns.
Key Issues Facing Women
Despite constituting 51% of Uganda’s population, women remain one of the most marginalised groups, encountering challenges in productive work, skilling, access to resources, ownership, and socioeconomic safety.
The 2023 media monitoring report cited by Sentamu reveals alarming statistics, indicating that women are represented as news sources and subjects at a mere 25%. In print media, for example, women were visible only at 27%, and a mere 18% in both radio and television.
According to Sentamu, International Women’s Day should transcend the recognition of high-profile women and become a day for reflection on how to address the broader issues that affect women.
This includes a call for media outlets to ensure more comprehensive coverage, amplifying the voices of women across diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Still, the activists argue that the underreporting and underrepresentation of women’s issues perpetuate the invisibility of important matters such as reproductive health, education, gender-based violence, and economic disparities.
In neglecting these critical topics, media outlets carelessly contribute to a cycle of ignorance and apathy, hindering progress towards a more equitable society.
The Role of Media
The media plays a pivotal role in shaping societal perceptions and attitudes. through increasing coverage of gender-sensitive issues, the media can actively contribute to raising awareness, challenging stereotypes, and promoting inclusivity.
Comprehensive reporting can empower women by giving them a platform to share their stories, struggles, and triumphs, promoting a sense of solidarity and inspiring positive change.
Dick Nvule Nsubuga, a News Editor at Radio Simba Fm, and one of the panelists, argued that endeavours to increase the representation of women in news bulletins and talk shows have proven futile as many women shy away from participating.
“I prioritise news based on merit, following specific procedures, not merely because it’s Women’s Day. If one cannot contribute newsworthy content, they won’t feature in my bulletin,” he stated.
“While the media does perpetuate stereotypes about women, it’s crucial to acknowledge that women play a role in this portrayal. Women should be strategic and contribute meaningful content to avoid being cast in a certain light. Producers seek individuals who add value to the media house,” Nsubuga added.
Brenda Namata, Communications and Advocacy Officer at UMWA, highlighted that part of the gender disparity begins with visibility. “Mainstream media increasingly focuses on entertainment and edutainment due to financial considerations, often packaging stories within the realm of entertainment,” she remarked.
Namata emphasised the need to understand gender issues in media better, suggesting specific programs to address this gap.
Sylvia Nankya, Chief Editor at Uganda Radio Network (URN), acknowledged the challenges women face in media representation and the tone of their voices in stories.,
“We are intentional about the voices featured in our newsroom. In instances where women decline talk show opportunities to prioritise inclusivity, show producers should explore alternatives like pre-recorded shows to accommodate women managing their family commitments,” she noted.
Patricia Munabi, Executive Director of the Forum for Women in Democracy, stressed that gender equality is a fundamental human right, stressing that women seek recognition rather than attempting to replace men.
Munabi further pointed out that the Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development, responsible for handling many gender-related cases, faces financial constraints, hindering its effectiveness.
“Although the numbers of women in leadership positions and influence have grown due to affirmative action, more needs to be done to address the imbalances,” she says.
Fredrick Kawooya, Senior Program Advisor at the Royal Danish Embassy Uganda, says there is a need for institutions of higher learning to incorporate gender-based studies into the curriculum to understand it so that they can be well reported about or handled.
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