A recent survey conducted by the Ghana Women Expert Project has unveiled disturbing trends regarding the underrepresentation of women as experts in Ghanaian media.
The study from February to May 2023 has ignited conversations about the imperative need for gender inclusivity in media representation.
Conducted by freelance journalists Nana Ama Agyemang Asante and Betty Kankam-Boadu, with support and funding from the City University of London’s Journalism Department, the survey meticulously scrutinized the content of four prominent Ghanaian media outlets: Citi FM, Peace FM, Joy FM, and Morning Starr.
Key findings from the survey paint a stark picture of gender disparities:
Decline in Female Expertise: The number of women interviewed in the Ghanaian media for their expertise witnessed a 6.6% decline compared to the previous survey
Gender Ratio Discrepancy: The gender ratio of experts interviewed stood at a staggering 9 to 1, showcasing a significant underrepresentation of female voices in the media landscape.
Marginalized Representation: Shockingly, the total number of female experts featured across all shows combined was even less than the number of male experts featured on a single show.
Differential Airtime: While Joy FM interviewed the most male and female experts, Morning Starr allocated the most substantial airtime to female experts, amassing 3 hours, 12 minutes, and 25 seconds.
Low Numbers: Out of the 936 experts interviewed during the survey period, only 113 were women.
Airtime Disparity: Female experts were accorded significantly less airtime, averaging only 116 minutes and 4 seconds per week across all shows.
Gendered Focus: Women experts were disproportionately more likely to be interviewed about gender-related issues, potentially perpetuating gender stereotypes.
The survey’s results underline the pressing need to address gender imbalances in media representation and cultivate an environment where women’s voices and expertise are equally valued across a broad spectrum of topics. For more details on the report, visit Ghanawomenexperts.com.
