The Aga Khan University (AKU) is a not-for-profit institution and an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network. AKU was founded in 1983 as Pakistan’s first private university and starting in 2000, is now in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan and the United Kingdom.

The Aga Khan University’s Graduate School of Media and Communications (AKU-GSMC) was established in 2015 as the premier source of education and training of journalists, media and communications executives and entrepreneurs in East Africa and beyond. AKU-GSMC is guided by the principles of global excellence and local relevance and helps individuals transform their careers and organizations as they reap the benefits of innovation. 

AKU-GSMC, in partnership with the Advancing Gender Equality Media and Civil Society (AGEMCS) has conceptualized a study that seeks to examine how media in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania frame femicide and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). The research will employ content analysis methodologies to assess trends in subsequent coverage and framing of femicide and SGBV after the initial hard news coverage, biases, and patterns in media framing. An experienced researcher is required to design the study, conduct comprehensive literature review, develop a codesheet and a codebook (analysis criteria), train research assistants, collect data and analyse data in collaboration with the GSMC research team.

The Consultant will support a study on Media’s Framing of Femicide and SGBV in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

• In consultation with the research lead, develop a comprehensive study design and research framework, including research questions and objectives.

• Conduct an extensive literature review on media framing of femicide and SGBV in East Africa and globally.

• Identify key theoretical and conceptual frameworks relevant to the study (e.g. framing theory, agenda-setting, representation analysis).

• Map out a sampling framework for East African media to be analysed in the study

• Obtaining research permits for the study.

• Develop a code sheet and codebook (analysis criteria) for content analysis, ensuring validity and reliability.

• Pilot test the coding framework and refine based on feedback.

• In consultation with the GSMC research team recruit, train and engage research assistants on the content analysis methodology and the use of coding instruments.

• Oversee the research assistants in collecting and coding media data from selected media houses in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

• Analyse the data using qualitative and quantitative content analysis methods in collaboration with the GSMC research lead.

• Identify key findings and patterns in media framing of femicide and SGBV.

• Work with the research team to draft the final research report, ensuring clarity, coherence, and academic rigor.

• Incorporate feedback from stakeholders and peer reviewers.

• Finalise the report for publication and dissemination.

• Attend the launch and participate in any discussion on methodology and implementation