Communication and media experts have expressed concern over the continual low representation of women in broadcast journalism and absence of media policy to guarantee women their job after maternity leave.
According to them, only few women journalists, reporters, producers and technicians work in media houses.
Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, of the School of Communications of the University of Ghana said out of about 257 female journalists interviewed in a survey only 67 said they had ever accessed paid maternity leave.
About 17 per cent of the number is in the public media and more than two thirds of men work on regular and full time jobs in news companies as compared to women, 30 per cent.
The figures revealed Ghana has fallen below the regional percentage of almost 40 of women vis-a-vis 60 per cent men who are in full time regular work within newsroom.
Professor Kwame Karikari of Media Foundation for West Africa wondered why the Gender, Children and Social Protection Ministry had to withdraw a woman from the National Media Commission board and to replace her with a man.
He called on women movements to exert pressure on media owners and managers to ensure they work to minimise the marginalisation of women.
Professor Karikari also urged political parties to demonstrate commitment by ensuring more women were rolled out to occupy very important positions including those relating communications.
On his part, Dr Andy Ofori-Birikorang, Head of Department of Communications and Media Studies at the University of Education, Winneba said the discrimination against women in the media required affirmative action.
“The airwaves have frequently lagged behind when it comes to gender equality,” said Mr Ban Ki-Moon, UN Secretary-General in a statement read on his behalf.
He said not nearly enough stories about women and girls were being told and “women make up only a quarter of the members of the boards of the world’s media enterprise.”
Mr Ban Ki-Moon encouraged radio stations to be more inclusive by equally recognising women in their staff and in their audience.
This year’s World Radio Day in Ghana was observed on the theme: “Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Radio,” organised by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
Source: GNA