From Azerbaijan to Zimbabwe, we see the same patterns of under-representation and stereotyped portrayal of women in the news. The reason for these patterns is complicated. From the story angle and the choice of interview questions to the use of language and the choice of images; all these have a bearing on the messages that emerge in the news. These patterns are deeply rooted not only in professional practice, but in wider social assumptions about female and male attributes, roles and competencies.

Anna Turley