TheCable

Beatrice Eyong, United Nations (UN) women country representative to Nigeria, says journalists should give female politicians better visibility in media reports.

Eyong said this at a two-day training for journalists held in Lagos.

The programme was organised by the UN Women, in collaboration with Women Radio, to address issues affecting women politicians ahead of the 2023 elections.

According to her, the media plays a significant role in ensuring female politicians are positively portrayed in the public.

She said female politicians in Nigeria have complained of being misrepresented in politics, despite making up “48 percent” of the country’s population.

“In the run-up to the 2023 elections, there is the need for the media to make the participation of women in politics an integral part of their agenda. There is a need for the media to debunk the myth that the public sphere is the exclusive preserve of men,”she said.

“There should be equitable access to the media for female politicians and the media should use gender-friendly language.”

Also speaking, Toun Sonaiya, chief executive officer of Women Radio 91.7, said women should seek more media support to ensure balance in gender reporting.

“Better understanding of gender equality paves the way for development as it shapes the mind of the people,” she said.

“Gender-based violence has negative effects on economic development or growth. Without the minimum representation of 30 percent of both genders, development can’t be sustainable.”