Gender, Journalism, and Power: Role of Women in Francophone African Newsrooms

Welcome to our research report, Gender, Journalism, and Power: Role of Women in Francophone African Newsrooms. This study, conducted in Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Togo, is part of the Reporting Fellowship for Women Journalists in Francophone Africa Project. It explores the systemic and personal challenges faced by women journalists in the region, with a particular focus on their role in advancing gender-sensitive journalism.

 

Gender-sensitive reporting in these countries is often relegated to special occasions like International Women’s Day. Survey data shows that 63% of respondents report their newsrooms publish reports on gender issues less than five times a month. Only a small minority, predominantly women-owned outlets, cover these topics more than 15 times a month. The absence of consistent coverage reflects a broader pattern where gender issues are sidelined in favor of politically and economically driven stories deemed more financially lucrative.

 

Adding to the challenge is the absence of editorial policies that promote gender-sensitive representation. Togo leads marginally with 35.2% of newsrooms having such guidelines, followed by Burkina Faso at 31.5%, and Senegal at just 23.1%. Without these policies, women journalists face structural, economic, and socio-cultural barriers that limit their ability to influence narratives.

Through comprehensive surveys and focus group discussions, the report reveals pervasive gender inequities in newsrooms, calling for transformative action to create a more inclusive media landscape.

Key Findings

Recommendations

This report, done with the support of the ICFJ and the New Venture Fund, is a call to action for media organizations, policymakers, and society at large to address these disparities and empower women journalists to shape inclusive narratives.

Don’t forget to explore the accompanying country fact sheets for detailed insights into Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Togo

 

Discover the solutions and insights—read the full report here