The Motherhood Barrier: Gender Gap at Lusa’s Africa Bureaus
In the four decades since its founding, Portugal’s national news agency, Lusa, has sent 36 men to lead its bureaus in Lusophone Africa. During that same period, only 10 women have held those roles. This stark gender disparity is the focus of a new study that highlights how the “motherhood penalty” continues to sideline female journalists from prestigious international assignments.
Data Confirms a “Residual” Female Presence
The research, titled “Lusa’s International Correspondents in Lusophone Africa,” was conducted by Lusa journalist Cecília Malheiro for her Master’s in African Studies at the University of Porto. What began as a professional hunch was confirmed by internal data: female bureau chiefs in Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP) are a “residual” group compared to their male counterparts.
“I felt there were very few women being sent as bureau chiefs to Africa,” Malheiro said in an interview with Lusa. “I saw in the internal recruitment processes that most delegates were men, but it was just a feeling until I verified the numbers.”
The Barrier of Motherhood
Through interviews with veteran correspondents, Malheiro identified a primary culprit for the imbalance: the heavy weight of family responsibilities. For women, the decision to work abroad often involves a agonizing choice between career advancement and family stability—a dilemma rarely faced with the same intensity by men.
Raquel Rio, who led the Luanda bureau in Angola from 2019 to 2026, told Malheiro that motherhood stands out as the single greatest factor of exclusion. In her own case, Rio waited until her son was an adult before applying for the post.
“Motherhood and family are the first challenges Lusa journalists face,” Malheiro wrote in her dissertation. “It remains for each woman to allow herself to put her career first, while balancing family life with the psychological and emotional support of the company.”
Implicit Bias in Selection
The research suggests that the bias may start during the hiring process. Malheiro argues that even if not publicly admitted, recruiters may view male candidates as “safer” or more flexible options.
“The truth is that it is more attractive to choose a male delegate because, in principle, he will have a wife to help with the children, or he will leave his family in Portugal where they are protected,” Malheiro stated. In contrast, female candidates often face the logistical and emotional hurdle of whether to uproot their families or live apart from them.
The role of bureau chief is grueling, demanding 24-hour availability and involving responsibilities that extend far beyond reporting. Chiefs must manage office finances, lead teams, and serve as semi-diplomatic representatives of Portugal. “There isn’t much time for dedication to family,” Malheiro noted.
Signs of a Shifting Tide
Despite the historical imbalance, the study points to a slow shift in the agency’s culture. In recent years, high-profile posts have been filled by women. Raquel Rio’s successful tenure in Angola—a historically challenging post—was followed by the appointment of Helena Fidalgo, the former bureau chief in Guinea-Bissau.
“I think we are on the right path,” Malheiro concluded, noting that the presence of women in these leadership roles is becoming more visible, even if the numbers have yet to reach parity.
Image: Pexels – Werner Pfennig
