Gender Diversity is Essential in Political Commentary

I have worked in many major newsrooms in Namibia as both an editor and a journalist.

Editors and journalists regularly engage in ongoing debates – occasionally intense – concerning a dependence on a select group of commentators.

News consumers have grown accustomed to political and social pundits such as Ndumba Kamwanyah, Rui Tyitende and Graham Hopwood, to name a few, as well as economic experts like Mally Likukela, all of whom are male.

They are among a select group consulted for analysis on significant topics such as politics, economics and social issues.
This has created tension in newsrooms, with editors insisting that journalists seek commentary from a broader range of analysts, particularly female voices.

On the flip side, journalists often argue that the likes of Kamwanyah or Tyitende are the only ones available and prepared to offer their political perspectives.

As journalists, we consistently strive to find female experts for commentary.

Our universities boast highly qualified women academics, and there are equally intelligent women in both the public and corporate sectors.

However, journalists face difficulties in getting them to share their views with the media.


BROADENING THE CONVERSATION

Now that the election season is in full swing, we find ourselves at a crucial juncture.

Politicians are mobilising to sway voters in their favour as we approach the presidential and national assembly elections on 27 November.

As journalists, we are actively covering political rallies and other election-related activities, fulfilling our role of keeping the public informed.
This is a critical moment when we rely on political analysts and commentators to help us make sense of all the campaign trail rhetoric.

This is only possible with a wide range of experts.
Political commentaries play a crucial role during elections by informing and shaping public opinion.

They help analyse candidates’ policies, performances and campaign strategies, helping voters make informed decisions beyond mere political slogans.

Experts can also help the media reveal inconsistencies, examine promises and bring attention to neglected issues.

By encouraging debate and holding candidates accountable, they strengthen the democratic process.
Therefore, gender diversity is essential in political commentary.

It is important to have a range of both male and female experts participating in these discussions, especially during elections.
A small pool of male voices dominating the current political discourse may limit the public’s access to a variety of points of view.

UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES

Women and men often have different life experiences, priorities and insights.
These differences can help make political analyses more interesting.

For instance, women academics are more likely to talk about issues like childcare, healthcare, education, and gender equality that aren’t discussed much in mainstream political commentary.

Female analysts can contribute to broadening the public conversation and ensuring consideration of a wider range of problems.
Female academics and experts may hesitate to engage in political commentary for several reasons.

One possibility is they may feel undervalued compared to their male counterparts.
Local journalists do strive to diversify political analysis.

They actively approach female academics who can provide unique perspectives on current issues but often to no avail.
Why do they hesitate to share their expertise? Are their employers stifling them? One can only guess.

I believe our universities, public institutions, including SOEs, and the business sector can encourage female experts within their ranks to contribute to public debate.

Institutions can help female academics feel more empowered to share their expertise by fostering a welcoming environment.

– Andreas Thomas is a seasoned journalist currently working for the Namibia Press Agency. The views expressed in this article are strictly his own.