Readers' Perception of Newspaper Coverage of Women in Politics in Enugu State

This study examined how newspaper coverage of women in politics is perceived by residents of Enugu State, Nigeria, focusing on whether the print media adequately promotes democratic values through balanced and informative reporting. It investigates the role of newspapers in supporting political development by providing reliable information to both citizens and policymakers, with particular attention to how women in politics are represented. Using a survey research design, the study collected data from respondents drawn from an estimated population of 4,411,100, with a sample size of 384 determined using the Australian sample size calculator at a 95% confidence level. A structured questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. Findings revealed that women are often underrepresented in political news coverage and are more frequently featured in reports related to domestic issues, accidents, or disasters rather than their professional achievements or political contributions. Respondents in Enugu State perceived newspaper coverage of women in politics as largely inadequate. The study concluded that print media, particularly newspapers, are not sufficiently highlighting women’s participation in politics, which may limit public awareness and discourage political engagement among women. It recommends that newspapers should provide more in-depth and balanced coverage of women in political roles to support gender inclusion in governance. It also suggests that future research should explore how social media platforms portray women in politics, given the perceived shortcomings of traditional media coverage.