Unseeing Eyes: Media Coverage and Gender in Latin American Elections

In a society where mass media is the main venue for political information and electoral competition, limited visibility during a campaign can be challenging to a candidate and limit the possibilities of being elected.

This study covers five countries in Latin America and identifies differences and inequalities that women candidates face in media coverage before elections. It provides an opportunity to contrast the lack of importance placed on gender equality issues in campaigns, which shows that some Latin American societies still face the challenge of making this issue a public concern.

This study uses a methodology designed by UN Women and International IDEA with the participation of Latin American civil society organizations which is explained in detail in the recent publication: Election Coverage from a Gender Perspective: A Media Monitoring Manual.