The Status and Challenges of Female Journalists in Tigray Broad Casting Media

This paper aims to assess the status and challenges of female journalists in Tigray broadcasting media, particularly Demtsi Weyane Television (DWTV) and Tigray Mass Media Agency (TMMA). To realize the stated purpose, qualitative data was generated from purposively selected key-informants, in-depth interviewees, focus group discussants and researchers’ observation. Besides, statistical data is used to describe the status of women journalists in quantitative comparison to men. The collected data were organized, categorized and analyzed consecutively through thematic analysis, and then, findings are presented using qualitative explanations. Thus, the results have revealed that, female journalists are outranked by male journalists, and topmost positions of the media are captured by men. Moreover, female journalists are under-represented in medium level positions, newsrooms, and investigative programs. Hitherto, three-fourth of the female journalists in both media organizations engaged in the entertainment program. Generally, female journalists are overrepresented on spaces that are less likely to participate in decision making and agenda-setting in Both DWT and TMMA. The major challenges faced by female journalists are associated with subjective allocation of work, lack of training and educational opportunities, lack of functional gender units and lack of favorable working environment. Furthermore, female journalists are encountered by social, cultural and personal challenges. Hence, DWTV and TMMA are required to consider the prevailing challenges and mainstream all-inclusive gender issues including the top decision-making positions, and strive to transform the status of female journalists in their respected organizations.