Gender commission condemns the use of misogynistic language in the reportage of media content

National Gender and Equality Commission(NGEC) has condemned the use of sexist, derogatory and dehumanizing language in the reportage and commentary of media content when it concerns victims of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

In a statement, the NGEC Chairperson Dr Joyce Mutinda said the mainstreaming of rape culture is slowly gaining currency in which sexual violence is being normalized and excused in the media.

“Rape culture is being propagated through the use of misogynistic language, the objectification of women’s bodies, and the glamorization of sexual violence, hence creating a society that disregards women’s rights and safety,” she said

According to the commission, it has noted the multiple breaches of the code of conduct for the practice of journalism in Kenya as well as the programming code committed by Homeboyz Radio during one of their breakfast shows on March 25, 2021.

This comes after discrediting comments made against women on Homeboys radio during a breakfast show.

Radio stations are ordered to fully comply with the sanctions imposed and file a compliance report with NGEC within one month.

“We welcome the condemnation and unequivocal stand taken by individual and corporate citizens against normalization of the Rape Culture by the media and celebrities,” NGEC stated

NGEC also called upon the Media Council of Kenya to ensure full compliance with the Code of Conduct for the practice of journalism in Kenya saying the media plays a critical role in raising awareness of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence as well as countering stereotypes and outdated attitudes.

“We urge media practitioners to use their venerated space to inform, educate the public on the dangers of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and speak against harmful practices.” Said Mutinda.

CAK imposed a fine of Sh1 million and a six month suspension on Homeboyz Radio following derogatory comments against women during its breakfast show on March 25,2021.

The Commission further welcomes the administrative actions taken by Homeboyz Radio against its staff as well as the sanctions imposed by the industry regulators; the Media Council of Kenya and the Communications Authority of Kenya.