By: Jerromie S. Walters
On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, scores of women led organizations held an intrinsic advocacy enhancement meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Post and Telecommunications, with an apt call for the legislative body to exercise its oversight responsibility, by holding media institutions accountable for providing Fair and Balanced Coverage of Women Candidates in October 2023 General Elections.
The different Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) during the engagement up Capitol Hill, read and presented a formal communication to Representative Moima Briggs-Mensah, Co-chairperson of the House’s Committee on Post and Telecommunications.
“On behalf of the below listed Civil Society Organizations, we appreciate your oversight responsibility as Chairperson on the House Committee on Post and Telecommunications. Your continued support the nation and its citizens’ access to quality communication services without discrimination through various communication outlets continues to improve the twin principles of liberty and equality, which are vital for a democratic society.”
It states, “Hon. Roland. the undersigned institutions work to increase the inclusion and meaningful participation of marginalized groups including women and Persons with Disabilities in political and decision-making processes at all levels. Hon, Chairperson, we write to kindly ask you and your committee members to hold individual media institutions accountable for providing fair and balanced coverage of all candidates-women and me-during and after the October 10, 2023, General and Presidential Elections.”
Specifically, the CSOs want the legislature to add its voice to theirs, to encourage the media to provide fair and balanced coverage of women candidates during and after the October 10, 2023, General and Presidential Elections.
“We also request that those media institutions who do not provide balanced coverage are held accountable through your offices for their poor service to the Liberian public who you represent.”
If done, they believe that the legislature’s active oversight will enable Liberians to make better-informed choices in the election and ensure women candidates can engage the media on a level playing field.
“This has not always been possible in the past; the positive portrayal of women and People with Disabilities during and after the elections is an investment with proven, long-term returns for both this large group of citizens and our country Liberia.
The herein-mentioned organizations would be delighted to answer any questions you may have and await your response. We look forward to working with you on this advocacy issue as we gradually move toward the election.”
In her response on behalf of the Committee, Representative Moima Briggs- Mensah assured the body’s commitment in meeting with the Press Union of Liberia, and media institutions, in a bid to curb the situation.
The lawmaker further warned media institutions against assuming or speculating.
The Bong County Representative urged the group to do more awareness. This she said should be done in communities and rural areas, to inform women to report it if it happens.
In the overview of the meeting, Madam Eliza Dahn, the Inclusive Leadership Officer of DI EDA said it is an activity of the Elections and Democracy Activity EDA which is implemented by Democracy International along with several national partners.
Democracy International is a US–based organization working globally to support active citizens, responsive governments, and engaged civil society and political organizations to achieve a more peaceful democratic world. By developing and using new knowledge, tools, and approaches, Democracy International works to transform the lives of people and communities across four key practice areas: Politics, Governance, Peace and resilience, and Learning.
She said DI is implementing the Elections and Democracy Activity with 3 interrelated objectives: (1) increasing the leadership of marginalized groups in political processes, with a focus on women, youth, and other disadvantaged communities in Liberia.
(2) Improving civic knowledge and sense of civic duty by supporting civic education (3) Advancing self-reliance of the National Elections Commission (NEC) and civil society organizations to independently manage and observe all stages of the electoral cycle.
This advocacy, as revealed by Madam Dahn, is under objective one of the EDA programs (1) increasing the leadership of marginalized groups in political processes, with a focus on women, youth, and other disadvantaged communities in Liberia.
“This advocacy is led by the Female Journalists Association of Liberia, FeJAL. The purpose of this advocacy engagement meeting is to lobby with the committee on Post and Telecommunications to hold individual media institutions accountable for providing fair and balanced coverage of all candidates – women and men – during and after the October 10, 2023, General and Presidential Elections.”
She continued, “We also request that those media institutions who do not provide balanced coverage be held accountable through your offices for their poor service to the Liberian public who you represent.”
“If done, your active oversight will enable Liberians to make better-informed choices in the election and ensure women candidates can engage the media on a level playing field. This has not always been possible in the past; the positive portrayal of women and People with Disabilities during and after the elections is an investment with proven, long-term returns for both this large group of citizens and our country Liberia.”
When earlier quizzed on instances of women being marginalized by media houses, the women pointed out several, including instances where male candidates are prioritized above females. According to them, some media institutions loyalties are attributed to specific male candidates, thus denying female candidates coverage.
They said that because women are constrained, and they are often unable to give journalists what they expect, they are often denied access to the media.
Concisely, they referenced women in Sinoe who have been intimidated by a local radio in the county. With this, female candidates have declined on appearing on said radio station because of its activities.
In June 2023, at an event held for female aspirants, a reporter quizzed them as to “When women are representative, how they will manage their homes.” They said women have also been questioned about their marital status and other personal issues.
The conglomerating CSOs include: FeJAL, WONGOSOL, LIPRIDE, National Union of Organizations of Disabled, NUOD, Youth Education & Humanity, YEAH, Women for Positive Change, Alliance for Women & Children, Sisters 4 Sisters (Liberia), and Positive Change for Women and Girls Initiative (POCHAWOIN).
