By: Aisha Jimoh
In contemporary society, women grapple with ingrained notions of inferiority, contending with societal expectations that confine them to predetermined roles. This struggle is particularly pronounced among women journalists in Africa, who not only face heightened risks compared to their male counterparts but also navigate the delicate balance between career aspirations and societal norms.
Beyond external threats like bullying, rape, and forced sex leading to unwarranted pregnancies, women journalists endure workplace injustices. Unlike their male counterparts, female journalists are disproportionately subjected to sexual harassment, ranging from gender-based discrimination to unwelcome advances, assault, and tragically, even murder.
These journalists employ various strategies to gather information, often resorting to unconventional methods due to the prevalent intimidation, persecution, and discrimination they face. Some encounter harassment from male colleagues, perpetuating the misguided notion that a woman’s value hinges on physical appearance rather than intellectual prowess.
More so, African women journalists have voices, which societal discrimination is ebulliently making sullen. However, this voice should at all times be heard and protected at all costs. 90% of participants said they had experienced a threat,divorce or challenge to their safety from members of the public, both online and in person during the course of their choson livelihood.
A quarter of participants said they had experienced some kind of sexual harassment or sexual violence in connection to their work which affect them physically, mentally and emotionally.
Because of these and other challenges, there has been little to no participation of women in journalism. This is evidenced by the fact that most of the journalism-related applications usually have it inscribed that “Women are strongly advised to apply.” But organizations end up receiving little to no applications from females.