Gender And Career Visibility Amongst Female Journalists in Selected National Newspapers In Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated gender and career visibility amongst female journalists in selected national newspapers in Lagos State, Nigeria. Stated differently, the research aimed at establishing the visibility level of female practicing journalists not just in number but positions occupied by them in the print media industry. Situated within the framework of Socio-cultural Theory and Gender Development, the study adopted the in-depth interview method and survey method. A sample of 57 respondents was selected from the 7 commonly known national newspaper organisations in Lagos State, Nigeria. For the survey aspect, 17 out of 57 Questionnaire was compiled through google survey while the remaining 40 were collected physically by the researcher. However, data were collected using a semi- structured interview guide for the in-depth interview. Findings indicated that there is a large difference in the number and positions occupied by both practicing gender in the print media and the above difference is as a result of one’s passion, dedication, efficiency and result produced in term of number of bylines. Also, the distribution in the category of both soft and hard news is based on one’s preference or interest of writing. In addition, some of the issues raised as factors limiting their career visibility were marriage, family, tradition, security issues amongst others. The study recommended, among others, that adequate security should be provided for the female practicing journalists who has shown interest and persistence in digging out relevant information from a dangerous environment.

Keywords: Gender, Career, Visibility, Journalists.

DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/66-07

Publication date:November 30th 2021