Journalists cautioned against demonising women in news coverage

Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA) on Wednesday called on media houses to desist from portraying women in the negative perception, in their news coverage, saying this demonises and violates women rights.

This was revealed during presentation of findings of Media Gender Equality and Social Justice, for the year ending; October to December 2018, at Kampala Imperial Royale Hotel.

“Portraying of women in a dehumanising and shameful picture in your news coverage is one form of stereotypes, aimed at abusing women rights in society. In addition, the publication and broadcasting of news items, with none or limited coverage of women voices is gender biased in nature and should be discouraged”, said Dr Emily Comfort Maracho, UMWA board member.

She said gender sensitive reporting should go beyond news coverage.

“Even in talk shows on Television and Radio, women representation should be equal to that of their male counterparts”, she added.

She cautioned journalists and media houses, against undermining women dignity by exposure of women nude photos in the news papers and Television.

Margaret Sentamu, Uganda Media Women Association (UMWA) executive director, laboured to enlighten journalists on Gender sensitive reporting. She said media coverage should reflect a holistic view of women and men and that; Gender awareness and sensitivity should be built into stories, for radio, television and print or online media.

“The language used should be sensitive to both women and men. It should be constructive but not derogatory to men or women”, she said. On Gender stereotype language, she said: “No Gender should appear to be patronised or portrayed in an inferior position or in sexist manner”.

UMWA Program Officer, Joan Nankya in her findings presentation, said there has been a positive shift in communicating gender in the media, between October to December, 2018.

She said the number of female reporters has increased by 9 per cent from 23 per cent to 32 per cent, while male dropped from 77 per cent to 68 per cent.

“The proportion of female and male photographers has remained a constant at 15 per cent and 85 per cent in both quarters”, she said.