SECTOR 2

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:

3.1 (2013:2.2; 2011:2.5; 2009:2.1;
2007:n/a; 2005:n/a)

2.7 All media fairly represent the voices of both women and men.
Panellists had diverse opinions on whether or not the voices of both men and
women are fairly represented in all media.
An example in favour of fair representation was given regarding the coverage of
the occurrence of gender-based violence (GBV) against both women and men.
Others felt that in the case of reporting about GBV, when there was a female
perpetrator there would be increased coverage of the story, sensationalising it
and making it appear that GBV committed by women was commonplace. In
reality, however, it is estimated that only 10 percent of GBV related offences are
committed by women, while 90 percent are committed by men. There is a gender
bias when an isolated case of a woman killing a man “is made a big issue.”
A media monitoring project undertaken during the 2016 campaigning period by
the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Media Action, the Media Institute of
Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia and the Media Liaison Committee, found that 70
percent of coverage was devoted to male candidates and personalities, and only
30 percent to their female counterparts. It was also concluded that the coverage
of women was predominantly negative. According to research, coverage of
women outside the election period is lower than 20 percent.
Women are often “not willing to speak” publicly or be interviewed, this is why
they are not covered that much. Additionally, more men are in leadership roles,
and hence, are interviewed more.
“As long as you [as a woman] are willing to engage with the media they will cover
you [...] news is news.”

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AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZAMBIA 2017

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