African leaders make critics eat their words, The Daily News

This article looks at how gender equality can be incorporated into the formation of  the African Union. It explores, through the voices and perspectives of a man and a woman, how the 10 commissioners for the Union should be selected.

The issue of gender representation on the Commission is raised by both the interim chair of the Commission (a man), and the head of the AU’s Gender and Development Division (a female), although the issue is dealt with more in-depth through the  voice of the female source.

The writer also highlights how the systemic discrimination against women in all spheres may pose a challenge to the African leaders’ call for 50/50 representation, but also points out the opportunity gender equality in the continental body presents.

This is an example of a gender-aware report, because it:

• Balances the voice and perspective of a woman and a man in key positions within the AU.
• The language is gender neutral and consistently refers to the women and men as potential candidates for the Commissioners’ posts.
• It highlights the underlying gender issues that may affect women’s candidacy.

• Choosing a gender angle to tell the story.
• Including the voices and perspectives of women and men and not just the views of those in positions of power and formal authority;
• Exploring the gender power relations and issues which underlie a situation or issue. This is done not only through the voices and perspectives of those interviewed, but also through thorough research and investigation to provide context and depth to a story;
• Examining how issues, policies, events impact on or affect the lives of women and men.
• The language used to tell the story also should be neutral and gender-sensitive to reflect a fair and balance portrayal of individuals and issues.

Exercise one: You hear on the news that African leaders at their Inaugural Session for the formation of the African Union have mandated 50/50 representation for the commission of the African Union. How could this be developed into a political story with a strong gender perspective?

1. What angle would you take?
2. Is there a new way of telling the story?
3. What gender issues must be raised in the story?
4. What research would you need to do?
5. What background information would be important for your story?
6. What data is important for your story?
7.  What sources would you interview?

1. Is the story gender-blind or gender aware? Explain answer.
2. How does the writer cast a gender lens onto the affairs of the African Union?
3. What gender issues are highlighted in the article?

• Definitions in Trainer’s tools section.
• Chapter on language in the Gender and media handbook.
• Gender and media checklist in the Gender and media handbook.