SECTOR 2 2.7 All media fairly represent the voices of both women and men. There are several female practitioners in the media sector, but issues on women are not well covered; and the media are not particular about the effect of certain events on women. “On the issue of water rights, for example, if there is no water, it has a stronger impact on women than men. Women have to walk long distances; if they’re pregnant there are adverse effects, etc. But media don’t cover these issues. Men are less affected, but media will just refer to the community.” Some panellists, however, felt that both men and women are fairly represented in the media, as there are programmes on radio and television that attempt to represent both sexes. “It differs from one media house to another, but most radio stations have programme for women.” Both men and women are interviewed as sources in the media, but the extent to which their voices are heard depends on the issue at hand. “Generally, politics dominates news content, and the tendency is that men are more likely to be interviewed and to come to the fore on these issues. Women are more reserved and not as likely,” and their veracity as sources is often questioned. Even on issues where the playing field is more equal, panellists noted that women are less likely to accept or seek interviews. “Men are more confident than women with respect to having their voices heard in media.” 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: 34 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER Lesotho 2015 3.1 (2012 = 1.5; 2010 = 2.8; 2008 = n/a; 2006 = n/a)