Maiduguri Flood Disaster Online Media Content: A Gender Framing Analysis

Abstract

This study analyses online media (newspapers and social media) gender framing of the 2024 Maiduguri flood disaster.  The objectives of the study are to: identify gendered frames in headlines and article text (videos/images); analyse frames contents in the selected online newspapers and social media; and examine the implication of the gendered frames on the news stories concerning the Maiduguri flood. Anchored in framing theory, the study analyses 61 news items published between 8^th and 17^th September 2024 by the online version of the Daily Trust, Blueprint, and Punch newspapers, and those mainly published on Facebook, YouTube and TikTok. The study uses quantitative content analysis method. Findings show that framing was dominated by the victim/affected frame, with women and children largely portrayed as vulnerable and dependent, while men were more frequently associated with rescue, support, and institutional authority. Frames highlighting women’s leadership, decision‑making, and agency was largely absent across platforms. Although social media expanded the volume and visual intensity of coverage, it largely reinforces existing gender stereotypes. The study recommends the adoption of gender‑sensitive and inclusive framing practices in both mainstream and digital media especially during disaster such as flood.