Moroccan media do not accurately reflect the evolution of women's social status and lack any clear strategy on women's issues: so concluded a government ministry study released Monday (April 14th) in Rabat. Titled "Moroccan Media: Facts and Prospects," the report determined that the government's political message is inconsistent with the image of women conveyed by television programmes, advertising and newspapers in the Kingdom.
"In Morocco, the role of women in the political, economic and cultural fields has known a rapid evolution [but] their image in the media has not registered any significant transformation," Minister for Social Development, Family and Solidarity Nouzha Skelli noted with regret.
Her department commissioned the analysis and found that images associating women with household and family life prevail in the media. Such sexist stereotypes undermine the dignity of women, the ministry study says. In advertisements, women are shown as housewives whereas men are presented as chairmen, executives, businessmen and doctors. Newspapers rarely address themes relating to violence against women and sexual harassment, focusing instead on subjects of greater interest to men: politics, economics and sports. Broadcast television is no better.
Since television shows produced in Morocco dominate the airwaves during the holy month of Ramadan, the study evaluated their portrayal of women to better assess societal attitudes.
Analysts found that the Moroccan programmes degraded women, particularly the way in which they minimised the role of women's associations in the fight against sex-related violence. The study found, however, that a new generation of directors and scriptwriters is conveying a more progressive image of women.
While media experts do not deny these findings, they defend themselves by calling attention to their efforts to show a more accurate image of women.
"Morocco now has the institutional means to frame the image of women in the media, support it and make sure that it is fair and balanced, thus reflecting the new roles played by women in Moroccan society," media specialist Nadia Mhidi explained.
The country's press union agrees that the media must present a balanced image of women. "Our union endeavours to promote a media culture that denounces all forms of discrimination and objectively and professionally defends women," National Union of Moroccan Press chief Mohamed Moujahid told Magharebia.
"Some low-profile media unfortunately present stereotyped images of women by exploiting their bodies. This is a commercial treatment that we must challenge," he added.
The media must not ignore the achievements of women who dramatically contribute to developing society, Minister Skelli maintains, but should instead establish a media culture based on real gender-equality. Her ministry's recommendations, such as putting more women in decision-making roles in the media and creating awareness campaigns, will frame a multi-sector action plan. The goal: to fill the gap between the media's image of women and the part they actually play in society.
"Morocco has launched many reforms, strategies and schemes to effectively support women and improve their status; the media must sustain this reality," the minister said.
By Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Rabat
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