Challenges and Limitations faced by Women Journalists in Ethiopian Media: The Case of Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, Fana Broadcasting Corporate & Walta Media and Communication Corporate
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Date
2024-09-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study explores the challenges and limitations encountered by women journalists in Ethiopia, specifically examining their experiences within three major media organizations: Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), Fana Broadcasting Corporation (FBC), and Walta Media and Communication Corporate. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research incorporates quantitative data from surveys and qualitative insights from in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions, providing a comprehensive analysis of the factors affecting women's participation and advancement in the Ethiopian media landscape. The findings reveal significant gender disparities, with male journalists predominating the workforce in each organization. The study highlights that female journalist make up a relatively small percentage of the workforce; for instance, EBC employs 68.5% male journalists, while FBC has 64.5% and Walta 58.3%. This gender imbalance not only limits women's representation in media but also perpetuates stereotypes and biases in reporting practices. Educational qualifications among female journalists are noteworthy, with 80.2% holding at least a bachelor's degree. However, despite their qualifications, women face numerous challenges, including gender discrimination, harassment both verbal and physical and limited opportunities for career progression. Nearly 46.5% of respondents reported experiencing gender-based discrimination, which aligns with existing literature on the broader global phenomenon where women face hostility in male-dominated work environments. The analysis also reveals that mentorship and professional networking are essential for women's career development, but participation in training and mentoring programs remains low, with 65.1% of respondents indicating they had not engaged in such initiatives. In light of the findings, the study makes several recommendations for media organizations, including the development of targeted diversity and inclusion programs, implementation of clear anti-discrimination policies, fostering an inclusive organizational culture, and providing more opportunities for female journalists to advance their careers. By actively addressing these challenges, media organizations can cultivate an environment that promotes equity and empowerment, supporting women's professional growth and representation in the journalism field. This research highlights the need for gender equity in Ethiopian media, advocating for systematic changes to improve credibility, diversity, and informed public discourse.