SECTOR 4 4.8 Equal opportunities regardless of race or ethnicity, social group, gender/sex, religion, disabilities and age are promoted in media houses One panellist mentioned a study which establishes that female journalists worked in TV more than in any other media. This was considered to be due to the preference of most female journalists for TV and might partly explain why there are fewer women in newspaper editorial positions. There is also a disparity between the beats or subjects covered by women and those left to men. In general, women are considered to be more interested in social and cultural issues, whereas men are generally responsible for covering politics, economics and sports. There is no policy to promote gender equity in the media: the observed trend is the result of passive processes. However, it should be noted that fewer women hold positions of responsibility in the media, which could be the result of gender-based discrimination. Most media owners are men and in the absence of clear gender equity policies, decisions are shaped by dominant male views. The socio-cultural context is also to blame. Women are still widely considered weak, preoccupied with domestic and family chores and unable to work for as many hours as men do. Despite the observed increase in the number of women enrolled in journalism schools, few of them find themselves in newsrooms and even fewer reach the highest positions in the profession. Discrimination based on religion is more visible in religious media, which only recruit from within their disciples. For example, Radio Maranatha only hires evangelicals. A network of catholic journalists only elects members who have been married in the church to its executive council. State media is relatively more diverse and tries to give men and women the same opportunities. They reflect government policies on integrating a specific perspective on gender equity, social inclusion and equal opportunities for all genders and all ethnic groups. Scores: Individual scores: 45 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓✓ ✓ Average score: 3.5 (2007 = n/a; 2009 = 4.1; 2011 = 3.3; 2014 = 3.7) Overall Score for Sector 4: 2.5 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2018