Gender Stereotyping: The Media’s Portrayals of Hina Rabbani Khar, the First Pakistani Woman Foreign Minister

Abstract

Based on 60 articles, news reports, and broadcast shows covering the first 16 months of Hina Rabbani Khar’s office, this study extensively explores the media portrayals of the first Pakistani woman foreign minister. Analysis shows that Khar’s position as a female politician is stereotyped to a greater extent compared to her accomplishments as foreign minister. While upholding the already deep-rooted gender stereotypes, the media sell their news the way they want and maintain gender polarities. The media’s approach needs to change for acknowledging rising woman politicians’ position equal to men in politics and thus, work for confirming equitable media portrayals.