Yes very true, we should be ambassadors. A worry is on females in the media fraternity don’t undertake the most challenging situations or roles. Most of them are presenters and reporters (basic)
At least women should do more as men will be encouraged to support them
Hello everyone
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This photo was shared in relation to this week topic
And the question was whether to label her a female bricklayer or not.
Taiwo Oduola: The domain used to once dominated & known for men. And only very few women are venturing. So tagging her is not uncommon until it is many more women are involved.
Taiwo Oduola: Occassionally when I watched female wrestling, it is still not energetic and power filled like that of men. The gap is still there, take it or leave it. Women are really trying but by nature men are more endowed with energetic activities than women.
Jipson Banda: Yes very true.
Growing up as a young boy, we had this girl who would always join us whenever we played football.
At first all the boys exercised caution and played with discipline.
We couldn’t let one of us mark her with harshness.
When we played, we couldn’t let one of us hurt her, she was our Messi, yes, she dribbled a lot and could push or shield us. And when she did, we would just retire from marking her.
Then, we realized she didn’t like our approach. She wanted us to exercise our play on her as normal. Harsh marking, dribble et cetera.
When we exercised normal play on her, she felt okay and happy. This girl plays football to now.
The point is their physical make up should not be a reason to sideline them from special activities
Taiwo Oduola: Yes you are rght. However unconsciously the caution is still there. Men folks are just getting use to the development of Female mechanic, Bricklayer, Palm tree harvester, Trailer driver etc. And few women are still involved. Hence, the segregation.
+234 905 ###: Yeah, that’s what we are talking about. We know it’s a male dominated area but for gender equality and trying to right the wrongs, it’s not proper to call her a female bricklayer as it were.
Gideon Sarkodie Osei Adars Fm: Technically, it’s wrong to say so. But, in some circumstances when the quality of the output is high, a mention of it could be good to promote the thinking that, women bricklayers are as good as their men counterparts.
Jipson Banda: Yes, the developments are recent but we are in this scenario because for long, we have denied women the opportunity to be themselves in terms of opportunities.
The story of this came about in 2000. Our mums made remarks like “she won’t get married” “this girl is stubborn” “she likes hanging out with men, she shall be a prostitute”. Such were the remarks.
Whenever we were playing another team, they would mock her or demand that she doesn’t play for us.
Which was painful to us because she was our best player.
Our efforts to instil the concept of positive masculinity has been delayed for quite a very long period
Kebby Sianjame Zambia: In media, some ladies are the ones that are calling themselves Female DJ or Female pilots.
In other areas, like here in Zambia, women are free to do any job without other people saying anything. But when you want to describe some like a tall man, a slim man or the dark in complexion is where someone will tell you that this house was built by a tall light coloured man and the wall fence was built by a woman. So that in itself is not degrading in any way.
So women should take up the challenge in order to raise the number so that the community will understand and get used to it.
+234 905 ####: They too are caught up in the stereotype of enforcing male dominance in the profession.
Until all learn to speak the right words, address the issues as it were before it is fully entrench in the consciousness of recipients, the advocators and the society at large.
Ngwenya Denis: To me she’s just a bricklayer. Trying to qualify her as a female bricklayer is segregative. It can only be used in statistics. Say for example when information about workers at a particular place is being collected. That is when you could say “we have 5 females and 3 males” who are bricklayers in this company
+260 97 ####: I sometimes even wonder why this trend is so strong such that even in hospitals, someone will differenciate how he/she was treated between a male a female nurse. I really feel this has to be worked on in sensitizing where as people should learn to appreciate the works done by whoever regardless who on did this and that.
+260 97 #####: We really have a lot to do especially us in media as it is the fastest way of disserminating information to the masses.
Kebby Sianjame Zambia: I think this is what we need to fight right away. Why do people call the males as male nurse, that will mean that they will call the other as female nurse. We need to call them as nurses and take them as people who studied medicine.
As far as I remember in Zambia, we used to see nursing as for ladies but for now it is all male and female and we need to stop to refer them according to their gender.
Busi N: I actually thought of this as well taking into consideration that it is not only females that experience this. In SA as well nursing was considered to be a female career. Men would be straight up doctors. As we see more and more males becoming nurses, people started emphasizing that these are male nurses. Nursing with different ranks, one rank being a nursing sister, it was quite strange for men to be referred to as sisters because of the rank. I believe they change that to nurse in charge or something like that.
Kebby Sianjame Zambia: Yes, here in Zambia we have heard of the Sister in Charge, and wonder how that position will be called with the increase in the males taking up the position. May be it will be a Brother in Charge.
Somed Shahadu: Is the emphasis on females dignifying or degrading? Is it necessary to say ‘female dj, female pilot. Etc.
The emphasis on women and girls certainly has its own problems, but degrading women is not one of them. Not only does the emphasis help to break the myths and misconceptions about gender roles; emphasising helps to break the glass ceiling or the social barriers that limit women’s active participation and growth in male-dominated professions. The emphasis serves as a reference point for young girls who may need inspiration or encouragement to pursue their ambitions; it teaches such girls that it is possible for a woman to succeed and make a mark in a male-dominated profession.
Ngwenya Denis: Some of these titles need to be changed to neutral like in the past people used say “Chairman” because it was always males in charge of chairing meetings and nowadays it has changed to “Chairperson” which is a fair term
Somed Shahadu: @+233 24 #### what about the derogatory labeling? Sometimes the stereotypes and tagging is discouraging for some women for sure. Moreover some women don’t like too much attention about their work
Arbogast Mutayoba Tanzania: what? that some women don’t like too much attention about their work?i think everybody should be proud of h/his work unless it is a filthy one ie prostitution.
So,a section of women who don’t be recognised by their duties,can’t bar us from tagging successful women,as a move to inspire others that women are capable of doing things like men
+260 97 #####: Unfortunately, there are women today who feel pity for themselves and they literally refuse taking some assignments such as political rallies or any event which are violence related. I want to believe society is slowly relieving that women are partners in development hence there is need for them to stand up and be counted. As a head of department, I have personally experienced a situation where female colleagues would plead with me not to be sent to a certain assignment on the basis of their gender. In a case I forced them to do the assignment I was deemed a devil or uncaring man or not a gentleman.
+233 20 #####: It is necessary to encourage women to play leading roles at workplaces and in media spaces. Unfortunately just as in the politics women are largely cheerleaders. Slowly the trend is changing. But may I know why some men who want to promote women in the media tend to overdo it. How can host of a programme not simply introduce a woman for who she is just as other men. Some hosts could sometimes be too petty describing what she is wearing and how beautiful she is looking. That is quite irrelevant.
+233 20 #####: But if a woman excels as a chief cocoa farmer, it is a feat worth mentioning. It may spur others on to become cocoa farmers.
+260 97 ####: Kkkkkk, I hear you. Unfortunately, whether we like it or not we cant take away a woman in a woman or a man in a man. I think what we must be promoting is equal opportunities between men and women.
+260 96 ####: It’s hard to have the female personnel possibly have the same privileges, with women susceptible to go on maternity leave and taking the days off work for mothers day, it’s not fair to have the males and females get the same remuneration as an example,
+260 97 ####: Women should also given high position like men
Ruth Banda Radio Explorer: It is another way of bringing women down if people hear how she has been described the end result will be like she’s a prostitute can’t lead people or may don’t have the courage to stand before the masses especially in politics
Joseph Pasme: Unfortunately women themselves they don’t support each other. Which will make them difficult to realize their potential
+260 97 ####: Yes I agree with you
Some women they don’t want to be challenged by fellow women that’s why mostly if there are more women at a company there will be no development
+260 96 ####: I concur with you, I wonder why we women don’t actually support each other, i wish we could put our hands together,work together and realize our potential but of course we also need full support from men
+233 20 ####: I believe if men can support women at workplaces, then the major problem impeding working women at workplaces would be solved. Not all men bosses appreciate the multiple roles play outside the work environment. Men should be considerate when some issues crop up.
+254 759#####: You can change behavior of someone but one’s character is them to decide ,thus women have to decide which is better,.I hate it more when a woman wants to run for leadership positions then the first to discourage are fellow women.
Ruth Banda Radio Explorer: For real women are jealous of their fellow friend if she’s doing better than them
+260 97 ####: To my understanding most of time jealous is one which killing everything
Another one last as well.
Most of women are employed when they fall in love with owner of a company (media station) and these same people who are promoted to higher position. Now if there are five women at a same station , one senior position and in love with boss will have jealous to her fellow women thinking that a boss may fall in love with another one
Ngwenya Denis: I have seen this several times in my country. One would expect women to back their own and make their voices be heard but what happens usually it’s the opposite of that. However in workplaces let’s not try and qualify them with things like “female news anchor or camera person”… she’s just a news anchor. No need to be too specific about her…
Patel : Very true this…thus why sometimes they don’t support each other…a good example of it especially in my country ,they are few women in political leadership than men because they have jealous on each other that if one goes up there she will benefit more thus why they don’t vote for each other…the truth is women are jealous of each other
Somed Shahadu: I agree with you @Kumah Drah that woman must be encouraged at work places: how can we encourage?
+255 ####: You are absolutely right this challenge is very big again women we love each other very hypocritical even in the basics we do not share this is all a spirit of jealousy has ruled.
Ruth Banda Radio Explorer: That’s the reason why men have dominated, have taken the lead, their is need for behavioral change and more advocacy on the same
Joseph Pasme: This is true and very serious. Number of women get big positions not out their hard working or knowledge in the name of gender equality well in the actual sense skirt was removed by boss man
Somed Shahadu: Instead of looking at it as 5 women jealous each other to date their bosses, we have to question the agency or freewill of women who date their bosses. In most cases it is the male bosses who initiate these relationships; some women get punished for rejecting such advances from their bosses at work places. Even though it looks like the women willingly fall for the boss, some times they are left with no other option
+255 754 ###: What is needed is to educate the women’s community more that our fellow men have made great strides because theirs is one to ensure things move forward and in order for things not to stagnate or the office, the company must not collapse, unity must come and true love must exist.
Patel : Yess we might say male are the one who have got all leadership why not women . Thus because of jealous on one another ,in order for women to get some leadership role at the top ,they should first support each other and know that the perain they are voting for or nominating is to be their voice.Besides that women will always cry saying that they are not heard and their cry is not being heard its because no one will represent them and talk for them,the men will always plan based on what satisfy them they won’t have time to consider fpr women because they don’t know the women needs and wants
Patel : Yeah i agree we have to find solution to that .Maybe having women workshops on our stations try to educate women to look at the bigger picture to see that not only one person is benefiting but every women will benefit from supporting each other .Also allow them to put their contributions on air why they think leads them to have jealous on each other
Busi N: I am following the discussion and I agree with @Kumah Drah that some statements are generalized. This does not mean it is not happening though. I would like to also add that if some women lift their skirts to get jobs or certain positions, even some men pay to get in, so some pay in cash while others pay in kind. It is a practice that needs to be exposed and dealt with as the most deserving candidates might miss the chance.
It is good to point out the issues but we also need to find solutions. Hence we have the questions of what can media houses do to promote positive masculinities to end this GBV.
Somed Shahadu: First of all, it is important for the media to promote the discussion of men as social beings. Most often, men and their gender roles are not given the same attention given to discussing women in gender. There are some good radio programming on gender equality as a general topic, but the discussion centers a lot on women and girls as well as the socio-economic challenges they face as a subordinated group. It is about time we started to discuss men as men and their gender roles; the same way we discuss women in gender equality programs.
This is a good way to highlight the inequalities and how it affects the lives of both men and women differently.
+234 905####: Absolutely, for a balance when such medium or programming are put in place, a whole lot new dimension will be seen about how men too faring in this estate of our discussion.
Ngwenya Denis: Good morning all. This is another angle which needs to be thoroughly looked into. I have realised for a long time now that ladies also like to use the dating advantage to access many things in life particularly if the person in charge is a man. I have several incidents where I had gone for the job interview and the moment I arrived in those places I there was no shortage of 3 or 4 ladies wanting to know who the boss is and then going behind and making some arrangements with the boss. What I think should be taught to our girls is that they should work hard and be independent and stop using sex as a bait to get whatever they want in life. It’s still very common in Africa to find girls/ women who will tell you that they don’t date guys without cars. You ask yourself why such a person doesn’t work hard and buy her own car? Such behaviour does not help to eradicate things that we are talking about here. Actually it aides them to flourish. In the end men feel like women are playthings because certain women give them the leeway to think and act that way by presenting themselves as desperate beings who cannot do anything for themselves.
Let me digress a bit, but still on the behaviour of some ladies. Has anyone realised that in most music videos women will appear almost naked but men will be dressed up properly? What does that mean? What message is being communicated to the public since we are talking about ways that media can play to address inbalances
+260 97 ####: Uh 
that issue is big for especially on music
Especially here in zambia mamamama you find that there is a function with high profile people and lady is dancing bed style , you wonder why and people clapping heeee heeee heeee that come to an end sure
+255 754 ####: All of this is happening because some colonial men still do not want to listen to women’s ideas no matter how good the idea is, they just focus on what will be presented and they are right because they are men and heads, to get rid of this situation must be thought each one should be given priority and then the best filter should be worked on then things will go well.
+255 754 ####: What you are talking about here is absolutely true now why this is happening due to some families abandoning children and leaving them in a difficult situation that is later found in that generation because who will teach them the best moral principles to follow that is why there is so much work to educate this group. and self-seeking, but also men have been a major source of sexual persuasion they say in order to get a job you have to have a romantic friendship now a man with no position will just simplify he thinks life on the street is difficult he decides to mix without him knowing if he loses, media it is important that they continue to raise their voices in order to put an end to such inhumane practices in our society.
+254 759 ###: Nowadays in the country I am if you don’t know someone in certain departments or have money to pay for it,you would not get job you trained for in college or university even if you passed well unless it is God’s time, you graduate no job your hustle and ,hustle and will you wasted time in going to school
+254 759 ###: In the case of women appearing almost naked and men well dressed up,I think is kind of thinking if they don’t do so they think the video will not have likes ,there will be less people interested in viewing it,and also they like coping each other.
On ladies using dating to access some thing it happen ,some will also get married to aquire material thing that’s why you find nowadays mostly young couples don’t lust for long in marriage because of that,
There are few ladies trying to dependent on themselves
Busi N: This is interesting.
I am not sure if it is still about gender equality or abuse when women try to sell themselves to get jobs. This is more like deciding to be a prostitute for survival.
The media industry is probably to blame here. I am sure we have seen how they use ‘semi naked women’ in adverts and billboards. Even in “lounges” or “clubs” the owners will use pictures of women who are almost naked to lure patrons. There is a saying that “sex sells”. This is where they use sexualized adverts. This is something that needs to be addressed as it somehow present women as objects. Yes sometimes it will not just be women but half naked mascular men. These adverts are probably what encourages women to use what they ‘have got’ or think men need from them to survive. It still doesnt make it right. I guess here we can say media should stop using 'women as objects’in their advertising. You will even find out that whatever is being advertised does not necessary go with the picture being used.
Ngwenya Denis: Well articulated Busi. Women are just uses as objects in music videos and adverts. It gives some men the idea that are “things that can be bought, owned and used” anyhow. Yesterday I was reading an old magazine with a story of a polygamous man here in Zimbabwe who has 15 wives and 128 children. At the time of the interview he was saying he is not done marrying yet. His intention was to marry as many as he could. When he was asked how he manages such a big family, his partying shot was: " A man who is controlled by a woman will not enter heaven"…
+234 905 ####: I quite agree with you as i just want to add that, some have seen prostitution as a means of livelihood. Others are either forced or lured into it. The Showbiz business, sports, music, cover magazines and ads etc uses the almost naked posts of women to sell. There is a complex mind tailoring of these superstars or icons that seems to hinge on their rights to life and behaviours, so trying to discourage them might hit a rock based on their human rights.
These people are making a lot of money as models, so talking about their near nudity against the backdrop of their financial inflow might be tough.
The issues of moralities is gradually taking a break from the public space.
In my view, the fight for GBV should be on a stage by stage basis in order to drive home the message of change and using those who will turn a new leaf as change agents. together,work together and realize our potential but of course we also need full support from men
Hello everyone.
I would like to contribute this week discussion as following.
First for my view I don’t see if saying this is female dj, female pilot, female commander is degrading them rather it’s about encouraging them,that they can fit anywhere,they can reach their dreams,they can become what they want to be, because previously, they were discouraged, people didn’t believe in them, that’s why when we see someone now doing things that the society believed couldn’t be done by women we must tell others in order to encourage others,.
Example here in Tanzania we’re now having a female president for the first time in the history of this country.
It has changed the mindset of many girls, now many of them believe one day they’ll be like Samia Suluhu Hassan.
So saying president Samia is the first woman to become a president in Tanzania is not degrading them but we encourage others to become.
About what role do radio partners need to play.
First is to provide more opportunities to women,
Not only providing opportunity but also, to encourage them, mentoring,and coaching them ndo archive their dreams.
We as media we’re supposed to increase the speed of spreading awareness to the society, since once the society is aware it could be easier to educate and implement policies, and plans planned.
Lastly, we’re supposed to discourage any sign of violence, reporting violence cases and following them up until end.
Allow me to add my voice on week 4’s topic tho alot have already been said.
In the first place,yes the emphasis on women is degrading and not dignifying because I finds it disturbing to emphasis that a female has done this or that or has achieved this or that etc.this may make someone to think because it’s a female,it’s rare or unheard of to achieve or make it in life,hence I feel the emphasis is not necessary because one has to know that even the female folk can achieve what men can or in other words in general can do what men can do.
Secondly, radio partners need to play a huge role in bringing up the content that is rich in sensitizing the people on the importance of promoting masculinities.meaning the content of the radio programs should be well balanced,featuring both men and women and there is also need to be wary of the words the radio personel uses in their programing,in other words there must be fair language and portrayals.
Positive masculinity can be promoted in the media by producing gender balanced content. For example,news departments must commit to improving gender balance by actively seeking and featuring women sources and experts as it is rare for women to feature in such.This will create a balance of reporting by both men and women while steering clear of gender stereotypes as well as ideas.I feel that this will surely promote positive masculinity in the media.
In all this ,the ultimate goal should be to treat women and men equal
Hello everyone, am enjoying the discussion and I have learnt alot so far.
My submissions for week 4 are as follows:
ANS: I think it is degrading to emphasize that this is a female DJ or Pilot.This is because either a female or male are capable of becoming a DJ or Pilot as long as they have the relevant education, skills and experience.
When one says female DJ ,I think the phrase would mean that women are less experienced to either be DJ or pilot.
There is no gender when it comes to job,so why should a woman be addressed as female DJ or pilot for occupying a male dominated field.
ANS: Radio partners should engage the male folks on their radio programs to denounce abuse against women, the radio partners must engage men in conversations that’s seeks to bring about shared responsibilities in homes and society at large.
We need to start having conversations on radio on how men are helping to raise the children,fend for the littles,help the wives with house chores.
In trying to achieve a gender equal world,men should recognize that they are not superior than women but that they are equal as such they should begin to start valuing women as equal partners in development.If this is done,abuse against women will be a thing of the past.
Ans: Media houses should start allowing the female reporters to also cover challenging tasks or conflict related stories such as wars ,strikes and protests etc.The female reporters should not only be given simple assignments to handle.They should be given tasks which are male dominated too.(my earlier submission)
Female reporters must be given sports assignments to cover also and not only the male folks.
I totally agree with others here that key and critical positions in media houses should also be occupied by the women.
We should stop looking at women as weaker vessels but inspire them to take up challenging positions too.
Hello everyone
Thank you to all who participated in all the topics. This indeed was a great discussion and we learned so much.
Those who qualified for certificates will soon receive them. If you have not completed the evaluation survey yet, please do so. Here is the link: Positive masculinities e-discussion survey 2022
Cheers
Despite the fact that I experiencing a lot of things lately, this is my
little contribution to the fourth week topic…
It is important to focus on addressing the individual knowledge and
behavior of men and boys and the social norms that lead to violence against men against women and girls. It is also important to note that men and boys may also experience gender-based violence, including sexual violence.
Media partners should focus on facilitating programs that focus on
positive masculinities. Radio stations should provide equal participation for both men and women in the programs produced. This will be possible by giving women the opportunity to call in, invite them to
discussions various topics.
While talking to others, as well education should be provided about
respecting women journalists in the workplace. Some of women journalists especially in Tanzania strive to work hard without distinction from men but violence has intensified.
I conclude by reminding you a word from the bible which says, “A new
command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another”. John 13:34
