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

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.