The Impact of Media Coverage for Women Parliamentarians in Kenya

This study aimed to identify the factors influencing media utilization by women parliamentarians. To achieve this, responses were gathered from three groups: women parliamentarians, representatives from media houses, and representatives from organizations supporting women's leadership. The findings were analyzed based on the responses from each group. The study's findings were then discussed in relation to the research questions, and conclusions and recommendations were drawn from them.The findings revealed that women parliamentarians receive less media attention compared to their male counterparts, across all three categories of responses. This lack of attention has led to the portrayal of women parliamentarians as lacking authority and not being recognized for their contributions to the national development agenda. Media coverage of women parliamentarians mainly focuses on their official roles as ministers or assistant ministers, rather than their broader contributions or activities related to their constituencies.

Autorentext

Mildred P. Barasa ist ehemalige Informations- und Kommunikationsexpertin im Ministerium für Planung, nationale Entwicklung und Vision 2030, Abteilung Millenniumsentwicklungsziele - Kenia. Sie hat einen Master of Arts in Gender und Entwicklung von der Universität von Nairobi und ein Diplom in Journalismus vom Kenya Institute of Mass Communication.