Chapter One: Introduction
Strengthening the Voice and Visibility of African Women in Elections, Politics and Governance 4
Background to the Handbook 6
Structure of the Handbook 7
Chapter Two: Media and Rights
Why is Gender Equality an Issue for the Media? 8
The Media’s Role in a Democratic Society 8
Understanding Gender in the Media 11
Gender-aware Reporting 12
Media Accountability: International and Regional Instruments On Gender and the Media 13
Checklist – IPS Gender Guidelines for the Media 15
Activity for Chapter 2 17
Chapter Three: Understanding Why Gender Equality in Politics And Political Processes is Integral to Democracy 18
Who are the Majority? 18
Access and Representation 19
Accountability 20
Obstacles to Women’s Representation in Politics and Governance 21
Electoral Systems and Political Parties 23
Electoral Quotas and other Measures 24
IPS Editorial Checklist – Guidelines for Coverage 27
Activities for Chapter 3 28
Chapter Four: Women, Politics and the News 31
Politics is Big News 31
The “Construction” of Women in Politics by the Media 33
Politics and finance – The Seeds of a Good and Missing Story 38
IPS Checklist – Guidelines for Coverage 39
Activities for Chapter 4 40
Chapter Five: Framing Issues from a Women’s Rights and Gender
Equality Perspective 46
What are frames? 46
Talk facts, figures and impact 48
Talk values 51
Activities for Chapter 5 52
Chapter Six: Understanding How to Engage With the Media 54
What is media? 54
Audiences 58
Who is who in the Media? 58
Prominence, Scandal and Events....What is News? 60
Becoming Media Savvy – Things You Can Do! 62
Activities for Chapter 6 63
List of Resources 67