Gender and Good Governance in Nigeria: What Role for the Media?

Abstract

The participation of women and men in formal and informal decision making
structures varies greatly between countries, but is generally in favour of men. Institutional as well
as cultural, economic and societal factors limit women’s opportunities and abilities to participate
in decision making. The media have been globally acknowledged as the watch dog of the society
and their monitoring roles considered an essential condition for democracy and good governance.
Nigeria like other democratic countries, entrenched the principles of good governance as possible
criteria for democratic governance in her 1999 constitution. Nevertheless, despite this
constitutional provision, as well as the enormous financial resources and huge potentials of the
country, gender equality and good governance continues to be elusive in Nigeria. This paper
asserts that media potential contribute to gender equality, and good governance depends on the
extent the media reflect and enforce the principles of good governance as an institution. This
paper also identifies why and how the media are critical sectors in shaping gender inclusion and
governance, while highlighting some of the principal opportunities and challenges to engaging
with the sector. This work also provides a critical discourse of the concept of gender and good
governance. The paper concludes that for the media to contribute effectively in enthroning good
governance and gender equality, they must as a matter of responsibility apply the basic principles
of patriotism, accountability, transparency and objectivity in the discharge of their duties and also
uphold the truth and fairness at all times.