Journalism Schools to Promote Gender Education

A broader regional policy that will mainstream gender into the structures, programs and process of Federation of African Women Journalists focusing on gender equality and equity has been drafted by FAJ during the media conference in Kigali.

On behalf of government Ignatius Kabagambe, Director General for Information in the Prime Minister’s Office emphasized that the plan of action on resolutions should aim at restructuring journalists’ unions, media houses and association to eradicate gender imbalances identified.

He said the issue of Gender equality was on the agenda since the formation of FAJ in 2008 where they required a policy framework to guide initiatives aimed at transforming gender relations in the current period.

The President of the International Federation of Journalists Jim Boumelha, however, observed that as the Kigali conference is the first meeting concerning female journalists, the federation needs to a women’s council within journalists unions to highlight the importance of gender equality.

“We need to gather reliable data on equal opportunities based on gender equality in all media outlets and show the importance of gender equality within the profession,” he stressed.

Throughout the discussions most participants underscored the fact that the continent’s female practitioners occupy lower positions in the media industry where they are marginalized, discriminated, harassed and sexually exploited.

In her solidarity message, Beth Costa representing the international Federation of Journalists said, it is important to put the resolutions in practical terms to avoid gender marginalisations and other prejudices that have negative impact of the profession and its achievements.

The conference adopted recommendations including; establishing a continental commission / council for gender equality (CGE) to advance, promote and protect gender equality within the journalists’ movement and the media industry in Africa.

Participants underscored the fact that African female media practitioners occupy lower levels in decision-making within the media industry that results into their marginalization, discrimination and exploitation.