This study examines the role of mass media representation in promoting genderinclusive leadership within public policy formulation in Nigeria. Drawing on Agenda-Setting and Framing theories, it analyzes how media coverage influences public perceptions of women's leadership, particularly amid ongoing underrepresentation and stalled reforms like the Reserved Seats for Women Bill. Nigerian media often underrepresents female politicians, providing less than 10-12% coverage during elections and advocacy periods, while framing them through stereotypes such as appearance, family roles, or emotionality rather than policy competence. This limited visibility and biased portrayal reduce women's legitimacy in policy debates, perpetuating patriarchal norms and hindering inclusive governance, as women hold under 5% of National Assembly seats despite comprising nearly half the population. Employing qualitative secondary data analysis of scholarly literature, reports (e.g., GMMP 2025, WILAN Global 2025), and Nigerian media from 2010-2026, thematic analysis reveals four patterns: underrepresentation, stereotypical framing, visibility-policy linkage, and potential for gender-sensitive practices. Media can foster equity through training, balanced sourcing, and editorial policies prioritizing women's policy contributions.
Vol. 5, No 1, pp. 11-17.