By: Gloria Anderson
The Network of Women in Broadcasting (NOWIB) has been officially inaugurated in Accra to advocate for gender equality in the media landscape. The network brings together women from diverse sectors of the broadcasting industry, providing a platform for collaboration, mentorship, and policy advocacy.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, described NOWIB as a timely initiative, launched 30 years after the landmark Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. She noted that while progress has been made in women’s participation in media, significant gaps remain, particularly in leadership roles.
”Broadcasting institutions are not merely channels of information; they are powerful shapers of public opinion and cultural norms,” she stated. ”When women are adequately represented in broadcasting—not just as presenters, but as producers, directors, engineers, and executives—our media landscape reflects a more complete view of humanity.”
Dr. Lartey pledged her ministry’s commitment to partnering with NOWIB to create equitable workplaces and address challenges such as pay disparities, underrepresentation in leadership, and online harassment.
The former Minister for Gender, Fatimatu Abubakar, who serves as a patron of the network, challenged NOWIB members to be proactive in reshaping the media narrative. She pointed out that systemic issues like the gender pay gap, lack of mentorship, and societal expectations on women in media have persisted for too long.
”The glass ceiling in broadcasting isn’t just metaphorical—it manifests in tangible barriers that prevent women from shaping the future of our industry,” she remarked. ”Through NOWIB, we will advocate for policy reforms, mentorship frameworks, and professional development programs that empower women to break these barriers.”
President of NOWIB, Maame Biamah, outlined the network’s vision to change media narratives, showcase female accomplishments, and challenge stereotypes that limit women’s aspirations across all sectors. She called on stakeholders—including media houses, regulatory bodies, and international organisations—to support NOWIB’s mission.
”By investing in women broadcasters, you invest in ethical journalism,” she emphasised. ”By supporting female voices, you enhance the diversity of perspectives that inform public opinion.”
NOWIB aims to connect women across all media platforms—radio, television, and digital broadcasting—through training, mentorship, and advocacy initiatives. The inauguration marks a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and gender-balanced media industry in Ghana.
The executive leadership of NOWIB includes General Secretary Bridget Mensah, Deputy General Secretary Fati Shaibu-Ali, Organizer Diana Akosua Adutwumwaa Britwum, Deputy Organizer Gifty Obeng, PR and Communications Officer Patience Opokua, Deputy PR & Communications Officer Abena Nyarko Kweikumah, Treasurer Afia Kwarteng Asomani, and Deputy Treasurer Gloria Anderson.
