Women's Issues in Development: The Case of Nigerian Women in Media and Communication

Abstract

This paper explored the theoretical perspectives on women's issues in development, with a focus on the experience of Nigerian women in media and communication, including social media. Drawing on a review of literature on women, gender and development, feminist media studies, and development theories, this paper highlighted the importance of Women in Development (WID), Women and Development (WAD) and Gender and Development (GAD) theories in relation with the status of Nigerian women in the media industry. WID focuses on integrating women into development processes, WAD challenges patriarchal power structures, and GAD recognizes that gender is not limited to women. The paper also examined the evolution of media and communication in Nigeria and how its development affects women and men differently. The paper argued that despite some progress in recent years, Nigerian women in media and communication continue to face various challenges, such as gender-based discrimination, unequal pay, limited opportunities for career advancement, the portrayal of women in a stereotypical and objectifying manner in media content. Others are gender bias in hiring and promotion practices, sexual harassment, limited representation of women in leadership positions. The study also highlighted lack of access to training and education, lack of funding for women-led media projects, and a lack of representation of women in senior management positions as part of the challenges of women in the media. Adopting the development theories’ lens, the paper concluded with recommendation for more concerted efforts to promote gender equality and women's empowerment in the Nigerian media industry, and the potential of social media as a platform for amplifying women's voices and advancing their interests.