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Gender violence and stereotypes: Is the media part of the problem?

8 Mar 2006

In a country where cultural, religious and patriarchal attitudes are deeply rooted in many men's minds, gender violence and stereotypes show no sign of abating despite a series of campaigns of activism, integrated approaches and many other strategies put in place. Government and women's rights organisations, which were hoping that the media would use its power and influence to help them fight the scourge, are now crying foul. "The media is sexist and insensitive," said Commissioner Teboho Maitse of the Commission for Gender Equality.

Maitse was speaking at the Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP) launch of its 2005 report in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

"Please give us the dignity that we deserve just like you give to men," pleaded Maitse, Incensed by the Global Media Monitoring Project's latest findings that South African women only make up 26% of the overall news media, Maitse attributed the negative reporting of women to "cultural socialisation and upbringing" which teaches the superiority of men over women.

The 'Gender Justice Barometer 2005' compiled by Janine Moolman and Susan Tolmay of Gender Links, reports that rape and indecent assault have increased by four and eight percent respectively compared to the previous year. The report also said that there have been 55 114 cases of rape in South Africa, 21% of which have occurred in Gauteng, making the province the most dangerous place for women to live in.

Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka also questioned the media's commitment to reporting accurately and fairly on women's activities. "The activities of women are relegated, with little subtlety to the 'social' or 'women's pages' in newspapers," she said, adding that women and men should now fight jointly for media justice.

It has also been established that the angle and language used by reporters on stories about violence on women aimed to exonerate the perpetrator and assign the blame to women for bringing the violence upon themselves, for example as a result of wearing short skirts. Many media articles also lacked depth and analysis and were not rooted in a human rights perspective.

These remarks by delegates attending the event reinforce the perception that often, where gender violence and stereotypes are concerned, the media is as much a part of the problem as of the solution.

"Gender implications should be considered in news reporting. The media has a great responsibility to challenge sexual discrimination, but not to reinforce, ignore or sidetrack it," William Bird, director of the South African Media Monitoring Project, said.

Gender Links Director Colleen Lorne Morna added: "It is a pity that women are negatively stereotyped and yet their voices are absent in the news. But we will fight on. We will continue building bridges and relationships between gender advocates and the media and networking with all stakeholders."

About Issa Sikiti da Silva

Issa Sikiti da Silva is a freelance journalist and short stories writer whose work has been published in local and foreign publications, both in English and French. He contributes to Bizcommunity.com as a news writer.