By
Mustapha Kehinde Abigael
The International Day of the Girl Child is a good opportunity to reflect on the role of media in shaping girl-child aspirations, which was the focus of discussion by a panel on October 8, 2024 at a Journalism and Society Conservation organised by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ).
In his welcome address, a programme officer with WSCIJ, Oni Afolabi communication officer noted that the media undeniably influences how girls perceive themselves and their future.
“When girls see women in leadership roles on screen, it sparks hope. Unfortunately, the portrayal of women is often limited, confining them to stereotypical roles such as housewives or assistants. This sends a damaging message that leadership is primarily reserved for men,” he said.
Oni outlined the startling statistics revealing the gender disparity in media leadership in Nigeria — only 25.7% of leadership positions are held by women. The numbers in print media were even more alarming, with a mere 4.6%.
“This disparity suggests to young girls that their potential is capped and that power is out of reach,” Oni lamented, adding that, “Yet, with initiatives like ‘Women Initiated,’ we are fighting to change this narrative, focusing on empowerment and visibility.”
Chief Executive Officer, Kanem Press Digital Hub, Ibrahim Mustapha in his contribution spoke passionately about the intersection of culture, religion, and media.
“Religion and culture have historically played a pivotal role in shaping societal narratives,” he explained, noting that “Often, traditional norms prioritize men’s education and domestic dominance, pushing women back into subservient roles, but media is the key to changing that.
“By showcasing successful women, we can inspire the next generation of girls to aspire to greatness,” he stated.
Mustapha highlighted the need for media platforms to feature women who had broken barriers, citing influential figures like the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. “When girls see women thriving in various careers, it motivates them to dream bigger,” he said.
Business Development Analyst at Dataphyte, Ibilolia Akahome said the proliferation of social media has allowed women to challenge stereotypical depictions though it’s a double-edged sword as some influencers promote positive narratives and negatives persist.
She elaborated on the importance of media literacy programmes stating that there is need to equip girls with the skills to engage critically with media content.
“Empowering them to reject harmful stereotypes is essential,” Ibilolia emphasized, adding that “When girls consume media that reflects their potential, they don’t just dream; they work toward those dreams.”
Summarising the key take-away from the panelists, the moderator, Presenter with Nigeria Info FM, Zaynab Yekeen said: “We need to challenge the narratives that limit women and girls. By showcasing diverse, powerful, and successful women, we can reshape perceptions and enable the girl-child to envision a future where they lead.”
