Quite a number of female journalists, especially in Nigeria are confronted with gender inequities, various forms of intimidation and cultural barriers that threaten to blunt their career progress. In this age and time, some less informed individuals, sadly, still believe women are meant for the kitchen, the ‘other room’ and not the newsroom.
Challenges for female media professionals tend to have a familiar ring the world over especially in Nigeria where it’s believed it’s a man’s world and any woman who questions this is either tagged as arrogant or proud.
The Nigeria newsroom is arguably characterized with gender based harassment and unequal treatment which includes unequal pay, lack of promotions, assigning of women to generally believed ‘soft-beats’ and not political or security beats.
The following are tips on handling abusive sexual behavior from women journalists. Although there are no magical techniques answers to handle it but these are a place to start:
Remind the offender that you are a professional and demand the same respect men in the newsroom receive. Do this in a calm, resolute manner that signals you are in control of your emotions.
Make clear that suggestive comments are not acceptable. Use the expression, “Would you talk to your sister this way?” “Would your mother be proud if she heard your comments?”
If sexual overtures from bosses or coworkers become troublesome, keep a journal. Write down what was said or done, including date, time and place. If there were witnesses, list their names. This documentation will help if you confront the offender or take legal action.
Check out sexual harassment guidelines. Does your company have a written policy? If so, copy and circulate to female staffers. Some countries and states have sexual harassment laws. It’s worth checking out. Also, who supports women’s rights in your country? Seek out advocates, experts and legal advisors.
If your company does not have a system for reporting discrimination or sexual harassment, lobby managers to create one. Offer to head up a newsroom committee to study codes of conduct for employers.
