How Does Online News Affect Women's Political Participation in Sub-Saharan Africa? À Meta-analysis of Research from 2009- 2023

Abstract

Despite the presence of various international frameworks and commitments to achieving gender 
equality, the underrepresentation of women a significant portion of its population- in its political 
leadership has endured within sub-Saharan Africa. There is already evidence from scholars that show 
that traditional news media content serves to simultaneously underrepresent women in politics, while 
also reinforcing stereotypes against them through discourse. However, as channels and processes of 
mass communication, including through news get increasingly digitalized, there is not much insight 
into the effects that online news media have in shaping the perceptions of female politicians and their 
participation in politics on a regional level. This study applies Feminist (Media) Theory. Conducting a 
meta-analysis of 20 research papers published between 2009 and 2023, this study provides insight into 
the effects of online news media on the perceptions of female politicians and their participation in 
politics in the sub-Saharan Africa context. The findings of the study expand the understanding of the 
relationship between gender, news media and politics in a digitalized world. They also highlights areas 
for improved regulation and/or legislation of news.