By CHOLA MUSONDA MUSATWE and COUNSEL COLLINS NKUMBWA, Esq
ABSTRACT
This research gives a detailed discussion on Journalism which is one of the many professions held in high esteem. The profession however is not without its own challenges as female journalists find it difficult to enjoy their career in the face of issues posed by society and by the media industry as indicated in this paper.
Key words – Gender, Discrimination, Media.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Women in Zambia and around the world of all backgrounds face a number of gender based challenges even in the sphere of employment.Universally, one in three women has experienced some form of physical and sexual violence in her lifetime especially at their places of work. As an umbrella term, gender discrimination encompasses various forms of discrimination on the basis of gender, often negatively affecting women more than men.Women who face multiple forms of discrimination based on their race, ethnicity, disability, civil status such as migrant, sexual orientation and other characteristics may be at a higher risk or experience gender discrimination differently.This is also the case for women in professions that challenge social norms, the status quo and power dynamics with society, such as women politicians, women human rights defenders and female journalists who are our area of major discussion.The gender discrimination that these women face is a gross violation of their human rights.This gravely affects their professional engagements ability to work.
The law, being an important instrument to society if used well can help to protect them from such challenges. However, in spite of having these domestic and international laws which are meant to protect their rights, women are still affected by gender specific risks such as sexual harassment, sexual violence and threats of violence, among many other forms of gender discrimination.Thus, despite attempts at addressing gender discrimination issues in this regard, gender discrimination is pervasive and known to occur in almost every professional setting. Newsrooms and the media industry are no exception.Unequal gender norms within a work place can compromise productivity as workers are unable to perform their jobs effectively. Gender discrimination is a problem which is underpinned by a long history of patriarchy, which in many ways has perpetuated inequality among the sexes.Gender discrimination in the country’s media work places can be attributed to power imbalances as those in positions of authority are often the perpetrators and utilize the inherent power imbalances to victimize those in the lower echelons. Like many of the social inequalities prevalent in our society, gender discrimination is a complex issue and no single policy measure can effectively address this.
This research seeks to present a comprehensive analytical understanding of how gender discrimination manifests itself in the Zambian media work places and the challenges faced by female journalists in their media work places. Zambia has ratified a number of international conventions which serve the purpose of fostering international and regional human rights standards pertaining to gender discrimination in many sectors of the economy. However, it has been noted that although Zambia has ratified and domesticated most of these international conventions, female journalists still face many problems of gender discrimination in their media work places. Furthermore, the focus of this study will be at analyzing and comparing both international and domestic legislations present in Zambia to that of South Africa which protect the human rights of female journalists from gender discrimination in their places of work.
2.0GENDER AND MEDIA LAW IN ZAMBIA
Gender discrimination is discrimination on the basis of sex or gender causing one sex or gender to be routinely privileged or prioritized over another.The concept of gender discrimination entails much wider aspects than is commonly believed. Gender discrimination in the world has caused many problems for countries in terms of having access to sustainable development and reduction of economic growth among many other things.People in third world countries such as those in the sub Saharan African region suffer much more.Generally, although women play a very significant role in development, their status in African countries does not reflect their contributions. In many countries, gender discrimination is deeply rooted in social institutions, long-lasting codes of conduct, norms and traditions.Informal and formal laws determine gender outcomes in education, health, political representation and labor markets.On the other hand cultural norms about gender roles are considered to be endogenous and can generate gender inequality and low development.
Although journalism is becoming a feminine profession, it still remains a male dominated profession. Traditionally, journalism has been seen as an unsuitable profession for women. Women were associated with private sphere of the home, while men participated in the public sphere outside the home. Journalism required women to move outside the private sphere which was often met with disapproval by men.Men argued that women would lose their femininity if they entered the field of journalism. Still today female journalists are in some culture seen as loose women who do not fulfill traditional role expectations for women. Around the world, journalism remains a male dominated field with women making up a few percentage of the news staff than men. Generally, the confidence in female journalists is not as high as in men therefore women are faced by a backlash in their news coverage because of mistrust from their fellow women. More and more women find that they have to prove themselves in their work places so that they are seen as equals to their male counterparts at the work place. Thus, while these news media work places are expected to provide equal space and opportunities to both female and male journalists, in recent times female journalists are often seen than heard.
Despite having the constitution, international instruments, various Acts of parliament and organizations being present to ensure protection against violation of human rights and any form of gender discrimination, majority of the women in Zambia are still struggling for gender equity and equality. Like many other sectors, gender discrimination has remained the worst vice in media houses and newsrooms. It is unfortunately a notorious fact that gender discrimination is still a thorny issue in Zambia.This has been a trend in Zambia’s fourth estate that most media outlets are headed and dominated by the male gender. The female gender has remained marginalized not because of education but because of the masculine nature of men. There has been cases of stereotyping and such have not yet been broken and unless and until the female gender becomes more assertive coupled with gender mainstreaming, the media work place will remain gender discriminative.
Gender equality matters a lot in media seeing that media is among powerful persuaders. Media shapes our life, attitudes, changes our thoughts, and impacts our behavior and values. Thus, there is a powerful relationship between women representation in media and women empowerment. In order to encourage more women to venture into the journalism spectrum, it is very important that issues facing many female journalists in media work places such as gender bias are addressed effectively. It is significant to address any gaps in the law which are meant to protect women from gender discrimination, when advocating for gender equity and women empowerment issues. As a matter of fact, women representation in key decision making positions must be encouraged.
It is ironic that the number of females working in media industry is higher than that of men however their representation in the media industry is less. Therefore, various factors causing this situation should be analyzed and addressed. This in turn will encourage more and more women to venture into the media industry thereby making this profession a place for women to explore their full potential and develop competency among themselves. It is imperative to undertake this study as it will help to address awareness on the issue of gender discrimination of female journalists and the challenges they face in these various media work places. An analytical overview of both international and domestic legislations that are ratified and domesticated in Zambia pertaining to the protection of the rights of female journalists against gender discrimination in their places of work will be conducted. Zambia and South Africa are both nations that are trying to overcome historical legacies of patriarchal structures and gendered attitudes about gender discrimination in the media work place. Although both countries provide similar laws, South Africa scores far better than Zambia in almost every index that assess quality of life for women be it employment, education, maternal mortality and parliamentary representation but to mention a few. Hence this research seeks to analyze and compare the current legislation that provides for the protection of female journalists against gender discrimination in Zambian to that of South Africa.
Mechanisms of oppression that serve to subordinate the strengths, knowledge, experiences, and needs of women in families and communities to those of men are at the root of gender discrimination. This part of the study will review available literature both locally and internationally to find out the research gaps and ways that can be of help in terms of contributing to the body of knowledge. Below are some of the issues at hand.
According to Khani Fazileh, in his research journal article titled Women in Development and Politics (Women’s Research), An Analytical Framework for Studying Gender Inequality, argues that Gender discrimination in the world has caused many problems for countries in terms of having access to sustained development, reduction of economic growth as a result of persistent gender discrimination. Furthermore, he contended that people in third world countries suffer much more. In addition, one may be concerned about gender equity as a development goal in it is own right. A variety of factors lead to gender discrimination. Economidiscrimination in most civilizations. Though globally most societies are moving towards reform, there is also a realization that there is too much to be changed and women’s rights have been suppressed for too long a time. In matters such as property rights, the treatment extended to women is atrocious, to say the least. Gender biased laws, traditional attitudes towards women, and male dominated social hierarchies pose obstacles to women attaining equal and just rights. The situation tends to be worse in war torn societies.
Professor Gitiara Nasreen in his journal article titled Women in Bangladesh media, upon conducting a research on women in Bangladesh media concluded that the main reason to the problem of gender discrimination is the legal position of females which is still ruled by religious laws when it comes to legacy, marriage, divorce, and child custody. Religious laws are privileged over constitutional guarantees, working against the interest of female journalists. Attitudes in society still stand against gender equality. Very often women are not aware of their rights, even when they are, females who depend on male protection are convinced that it’s not their best interests to claim those rights. In recent times the trend is changing, a significant number of Bangladeshi women are becoming involved in journalism, especially in reporting along with the growing number of print and electronic media. It’s proving that women can get into any kind of challenging jobs such as journalism alongside men, and female journalists are doing well.
Furthermore, Fazal Hussain in his journal article titled Gender Discrimination in Media as a Workplace, A Study of Media Environment in Sindh argues that it is generally believed that gender discrimination is based on patriarchal conceptions of society and is greatly rooted in culture where as the economic and social models are also responsible for inculcating discrimination based on gender. Although the feminist theories and feminists’ movements have played a magnificent role in the eradication of gender discrimination, however, the mindsets are still to be changed because they are hardened by socialization and cemented by customs, culture and religion for centuries.
According to Lethabo .T. Dibetso in his book titled airing out the Dirty laundry, Gender discrimination in Zambian media work places argues that like many other sectors, gender discrimination has remained the worst vice in media houses and newsrooms. It is unfortunately a notorious fact that gender discrimination is a problem in Zambia and it has been a trend in Zambia’s fourth estate that most media outlets are headed and dominated by the male gender. The female gender has remained marginalized not because of education but because of the masculine nature of men. There have been cases of stereotyping and such have not yet been broken and unless and until the female gender becomes more assertive coupled with gender mainstreaming, the journalism family will remain gender discriminative. Persistent gender discrimination practices, social norms and stereotypes which perpetuate inequitable access to opportunities, resources and power exist within the Zambian media industry.
Furthermore, Lethabo .T. Dibetso is his book titled airing out the Dirty laundry, Gender discrimination in Zambian media workplaces argues that like many other sectors gender discrimination is a problem which is underpinned by a long history of patriarchy, which in many ways has perpetuated inequality among the sexes. Gender inequality in the country’s media work places can be attributed to power imbalances as those in the positions of authority are often the perpetrators and utilize the inherent power imbalances to victimize those in the lower echelons. Like many of the social inequalities prevalent in our society, gender discrimination is a complex issue and no single policy measure can effectively address this thorny issue.
4.0 CONCLUSION
The problem of gender discrimination cannot be isolated to the media environment alone. Gender based discrimination is a societal and national problem. The issues highlighted in this study, though specific to the media work environment can be said to mirror gender-based discrimination which is prevalent in society, historically and otherwise. The upholding of patriarchal culture in the media work environment may continue to persist. Media professionals both male and female should be made aware of the impact that gender discrimination has on the Zambian media environment.
ABOUT AUTHORS
CHOLA MUSONDA MUSATWE
LLB (UNZA), LLM (ZCAS UNIVERSITY), PGD (POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN TEACHING METHODOLOGY) (NIPA)
Lecturer in Law and Business Studies
COUNSEL COLLINS NKUMBWA, Esq.
CIP (NIPA), LLB (UNZA), LLM (UNZA), AHCZ, ASCZ, PhD Cand.
Lecturer of law and Commissioner of Oaths
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K Fazileh, Women in development and politics (Women’s Research), An Analytical Framework for studying gender inequality (2011) 1.
Ibid.
F Anunobi, Women and Development in Africa, From Marginalization to Gender Inequality (2012) 41.
K Fazileh, Women in development and politics (Women’s Research), An Analytical Framework for studying gender inequality (2011) 2.
K Boateng, Reversal of Gender Disparity in Journalism Education, Study of Ghana Institute of Journalism (2017) 45.
K Fazileh, Women in development and politics (Women’s Research), An Analytical Framework for studying gender inequality (2011) 25.
LT Dibetso, Airing out the Dirty laundry, Gender discrimination in Zambian media workplaces (Fesmedia Africa 2015) 12.
K Fazileh, Women in development and politics (Women’s Research), An Analytical Framework for studying gender inequality (2011) 30.
LT Dibetso, Airing out the Dirty laundry, Gender discrimination in Zambian media workplaces (Fesmedia Africa 2015) 15.
Ibid.
E Lanza, Women Journalists and Freedom of Expression, Discrimination and gender based violence faced by women journalists in the exercise of the profession (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency 2018) 4.
LT Dibetso, Airing out the Dirty laundry, Gender discrimination in Zambian media workplaces (Fesmedia Africa 2015) 1.
E Lanza, Women Journalists and Freedom of Expression, Discrimination and gender based violence faced by women journalists in the exercise of the profession (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency 2018) 10.
K Fazileh, Women in Development and Politics (Women’s Research), An Analytical Framework for Studying Gender Inequality (2010) 12.
M Edstrom and E M Svensson, Freedom of expression vs. gender equality: Conflicting values when regulating gender stereotypes in advertising (2014).
S Amartya, Many Faces of Gender Inequality Frontline (The New Republic 2001) 55.
G Narseen, Women in Bangladesh media (University of Dhaka 2020) 27.
F Hussain, Gender Discrimination in Media as a Workplace, a Study of Media Environment in Sindh (201) 18.
LT Dibetso, Airing out the Dirty laundry, Gender discrimination in Zambian media workplaces (Fesmedia Africa 2015) 15. c factors such as inequality in access to labor market, property ownership, income earning and control upon it, inequality in access to income and credit can be important factors. However, social factors are just as important, which can consequently give rise to many kinds of economic, social and legal inequalities. In many countries gender discrimination against women is deeply rooted in social institutions, long–lasting codes of conduct, norms, and traditions. Cultural norms about gender roles are considered to be endogenous and can generate gender inequality and low development. Indeed, when gender gap is internalized, it leads to non-egalitarian views about gender roles.
Maria Edstrom and Eva Maria Svensson in their journal article titled Freedom of expression vs. gender equality, Conflicting values when regulating gender stereotypes in advertising, established that gender stereotypes in the media are one of the areas of concern. The persistence of negative gender stereotypes, even in more gender equal and progressive Scandinavian countries, has been pointed out as an obstacle to the achievement of gender equality. Gender equality is a fundamental condition for the full enjoyment of human rights by women and men, and the promotion of gender equality is a worldwide obligation.
Sen Amartya in his journal article titled Many Faces of Gender Inequality Frontline establishes that gender discrimination has been one most primitive
DISCLAIMER The views expressed in this article are solely mine and do not represent any organisation with which I am affiliated. The views and opinions presented in this article or multimedia content are solely those of the author(s) and may not repr
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in this article are solely mine and do not represent any organisation with which I am affiliated.
The views and opinions presented in this article or multimedia content are solely those of the author(s) and may not represent the opinions or stance of Amulufeblog.com.