SECTOR 2 The question of diversity in the media landscape is particularly relevant in the audiovisual sector, given that print media are not required to obtain prior permission from a public authority. In the area of broadcasting the law establishes a clear correlation between the issuing of a licence to establish and run a private radio or television station by the HAAC and the “prime importance of a diversification of operators in order to safeguard pluralism and a variety of sociocultural expression”. Scores: Individual scores: 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: 2.5 2.7 All media fairly reflect the voices of both women and men. In the words of a female panelist, “this reflection is not fair because currently it cannot be fair”. In Togo, women are not used to expressing their views “for historical and cultural reasons”. In fact, “the men speak on behalf of the women”. Women’s reluctance to participate in the public discourse is particularly evident in the area of politics - “many women refuse to get involved”. Some “fear they might die and no longer be able to take care of their children”. In a public debate one political leader was reported to have expressed her surprise at the fact that both her husband and herself should be involved in politics, thus putting at risk the life of a father and mother of the same family. Nevertheless, all panelists agreed that real efforts are being made to change the situation. Positive moves in this direction are due in no small part to the excellent work of associations that actively push for better training and the promotion of women’s interests in general. In the media, improvements in the representation of female voices are noticeable particularly in the area of broadcasting. Some women have come to be known for their omnipresence on air. “Lately, on one particular radio station you will always hear the same woman sounding off on all sorts of subjects”. Overall, the number AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER TOGO 2010 103