SECTOR 4 Most events and issues are covered by the media as a whole, but each publication in itself is generally insufficient in its coverage. Rural issues tend to be the most inadequately represented in the country’s media. Certain cultures, such as the Basarwa (San), are barely given coverage. 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: 3.7 (2005 = 3.0; 2007 = 3.1; 2009 = 2.9) 4.4 Equal opportunities regardless of race, social group, gender/sex, religion, disabilities and age are promoted in media houses. In recent years, there have been some attempts to look at newsroom policies regarding equal work opportunities, including a regional project aimed at developing policies around HIV/AIDS and gender, the Genderlinks’ initiated Media Action Plan (MAP). However, the momentum of such policies does not seem to have gained ground. In the private sector, where there are women owners of media houses, there tends to be a more equitable gender balance. However, at Mmegi, which is male-owned, there are no women in management positions. Women also tend to avoid applying for certain senior positions, such as editor, largely because of their societal roles, and associated duties, as child-bearers. “The issue of funding is very real for the private media, so issues of equal employment opportunities are secondary.” In terms of affirmative action policies for women and vulnerable groups, the state media appears to be doing better than the private media. There are more women AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2011 55