Gender Equality, Media and National Development: Appraising Media Representation of Women and Enhancing Gender Equality and Sustainable National Development in Nigeria
1Larai Mbezizi Jakonda; 2Jummai J. Agara & 1Anthony E. Orjiako
1Department of Mass Communication, Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia
2Department of Social Development, Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia
laraimjakonda@yahoo.com; jummyjak@yahoo.com; Anthonyorjiako1@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The mass media has always been seen as having immense power to influence, control and bring about innovative change in society. It has the power to both hinder and accelerate progress. Thus this paper examines how media representation of the Nigerian woman perpetuates gender inequality. Using secondary data, the paper argues that women are more often underrepresented, misrepresented and stereotyped in the mass media. This not only further reinforces the gender inequality and discrimination they experience in society, thereby slowing the pace of achieving gender equality and empowerment. It inevitably also affects their ability to fully contribute to sustainable national development. The paper goes on to suggest that the same media can be constructively used to promote gender equality, making necessary recommendations to achieve this.
Keywords: Media representation, gender equality/inequality, sustainable national development.
