International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: Despite increasing scholarly attention to gender and media studies in Nigeria, there remains inadequate understanding of whether recent developments in women’s representation signify genuine transformation or merely symbolic progress. Persistent structural inequalities, patriarchal media practices, and limited institutional reforms continue to shape the representation of women in Nigerian media spaces.
Objective: This position paper examines women’s representation in Nigerian media within the context of progress and persistent marginalisation. It seeks to evaluate whether recent gains in visibility and participation reflect substantive structural change or superficial advancement.
Method: The paper adopts a qualitative position paper approach, drawing on scholarly literature published between 2018 and 2026. It reviews global and Nigerian debates on gender and media, while critically examining institutional, cultural, and regulatory factors that sustain women’s marginalisation in the Nigerian media industry.
Result: The study finds that although there has been visible progress in the number of women employed in Nigerian media organisations and the rise of feminist digital counter-publics, these developments have not fundamentally transformed the structural conditions that perpetuate unequal representation. Patriarchal norms, weak policy implementation, and gender-insensitive editorial structures continue to limit equitable representation. Conclusion : The paper concludes that numerical increases in women’s participation should not be mistaken for genuine structural transformation. Sustainable progress in women’s representation in Nigerian media requires deeper institutional reforms capable of addressing entrenched gender inequalities within the industry.
Unique Contribution: This paper contributes to ongoing gender and media scholarship by distinguishing between symbolic progress and substantive transformation in the Nigerian media landscape. It further integrates contemporary feminist digital activism into discussions on media representation and structural inequality in Nigeria.
Key Recommendation: The paper recommends the adoption of intersectional policy reforms, gender-sensitive editorial policies, strengthened accountability mechanisms, and media literacy initiatives aimed at promoting equitable and accurate representation of women in Nigerian media.