Feminism, Politics And The Media
Written by Oreofe Omisope
In our time, the media is said to be one of the biggest influences on people’s day to day lives. There is virtually no individual or family without a means of accessing information. Whether through a television or a smartphone, one can access everything the media has to offer from the news to variety shows. And with time, whether we like it or not, what we see and hear from the media has shaped the way we view a myriad of issues. It is thus inevitable that it has influenced people’s perception of women and their roles and involvement in politics.
As a growing child, I always associated political talks and shows with men and such things as cooking shows and the like with women. The reason for this was that most shows that had to do with politics and the state of the nation were anchored by boisterous, deep-voiced males analyzing every action of the politicians of the day. On the flip side, cooking shoes or shows about celebrity news and gossip shows were almost, if not always, hosted by women. This narrative made me (and I am sure I wasn’t the only one) think for the longest time that involvement in politics was not quite a woman’s cup of tea. On the other hand, cooking shows, celebrity news shows, event commentaries and the likes, while effectively anchored by women and yes, even men, were made to look like the only place where women could function.
The causes of these imbalances in the media are quite a few. One of them lay with the women themselves. Perhaps due to the aforementioned misconception or for other reasons known to them, these women mostly steered clear of shows relating to politics and opted for the more familiar terrains of celebrity news and gossip shows, cooking shows, and the likes. With time, because people were already used to not seeing women on political shows, it became the norm for things to stay that way.
Another reason was that not many people were interested in hearing women talk about politics as the mindset was ‘what do they have to offer?” Women were thought to know little or nothing about politics and as such would not be able to contribute relevantly in political shows, debates and whatnot.
Now what was done in the past is done, thus the question is, what is the media doing or what can the media do to correct this wrong perception created by them?
For one, women especially women in media need to assert themselves as politically aware beings by getting involved in shows revolving around politics. These days, more and more women are seen in the media hosting shows that revolve around politics. While this is good, there is still a considerable gap in the ratio of men and women involved. Women should rise to the challenge to bridge this gap.
Also, people need to let go of the archaic mentality that women know nothing about politics. Many women in the media have risen to debunk that myth. For example, the TV show ‘Your View’ hosted by Morayo Afolabi Brown features women who expertly and intelligently discuss politics and happenings around the nation.
Finally, the family and society at large should plant the same interest in politics they imbibe in the male child in females. A girl who tries to talk about politics should not be shut down or made to feel stupid. Then it wouldn’t be odd for a woman in the media to be involved in politics.
The media has in time past created some wrong notions about women and their involvement in politics and it is also the media (with our help, of course) that will correct these notions.
Oreofe is a 17 year old feminist and believer. She writes, debates, and has stinted briefly on the radio. In her free time, she reads on anything and everything, and binge watches dramas. You can connect with Oreofe on Facebook.
Edited by Chizulu E. Uwolloh
Zulu, named after Zulu Shofola, is a writer, avid movie watcher, and self-proclaimed bibliophile. She is proud to call herself a feminist and when she’s not editing for Sisterly HQ and watching travel vlogs on YouTube, she’s trying to save the world in her own little way. Connect with Zulu on Instagram and LinkedIn
Published by Akinsipe Temitope
Temitope is a young storyteller who thinks all stories are worth telling. She loves to inspire people to do what they love and follow their passions, tell their stories, and live in the present moment. Connect with Temitope on Instagram, and Twitter.
