Opinion | Rethinking coverage of women leaders
Summary
Nepali women politicians face biased media coverage focusing on appearance and personal lives rather than their political roles, underscoring persistent gender stereotypes despite some progress.
Key Points
- Nepali media often emphasizes women politicians' appearance and personal lives over their substantive political contributions.
- High-profile women leaders like Komal Oli and Hisila Yami are frequently reduced to personal or relational identities in media coverage.
- Sensationalism and tokenism dominate media portrayals, with women's political achievements often overlooked except during symbolic events.
- Positive shifts include gender sensitivity training and codes of conduct promoting equitable and balanced reporting in Nepali media.
