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In Tanzania, the press is the second most accessible type of mass media after
the radio, a key source of information and entertainment. Short stories in two Tanzanian daily
newspapers published in the national language, Kiswahili, were analyzed to investigate how
authors represented women. Readers and non-readers of newspapers were also interviewed.
The content and linguistic analyses revealed that more than two thirds of the stories depicted
women negatively, by using linguistic devices such as derogatory terms, metaphors, diminutive
forms, compliments, self-incrimination and the assignment of talk-turns. Derogatory language
and content in the stories reflect and perpetuate negative attitudes and beliefs about
women in society, are counterproductive, and perpetuate low self-esteem in women. The
press should become an agent of social change, towards gender parity and promote a gendersensitive
representation of women. |
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