Date: 5th November, 2014
Time: 9.00 am
Venue: Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons Hall
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) in collaboration with the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa and IBIS-Ghana is organising a National Public Forum on “Media and Women’s Participation in Public Discourse”.
The Forum is based on findings from Media Foundation for West Africa’s (MFWA) monitoring of female participation in public discourse through media showing that women’s participation in public discourse remains disturbingly low. A total of 2,122 radio programmes has been monitored in June, July and August 2014. Out of a total of 5,579 people appearing on the monitored programmes, only 20 % (1098) were women.
The media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and has the potential of correcting the often negative perceptions about women holding political positions. This makes the media an effective tool for addressing stereotypes and gender imbalances. However, the continuous domination of men in media continues to influence the public perception that men are smarter, capable and more assertive than their female counterparts.
The Forum will bring together key stakeholders working in media and gender related issues to identify key challenges for the low level of participation of women in public discourse through media and give specific recommendations on overcoming these.
The Forum is open to the public and will take place on 5th November , 2014 at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons Hall at 9.00 am prompt.
For further information, contact Programme Officer Abigail Larbi on 0244 867 047 or Programme Associate Rikke Sig Hansen on 0545 705 454.
