Participants at the 2023 Annual Media Clinic of the Africa Media Development Foundation, AMDF have identified some of the major challenges facing female journalists in the practice of the profession,
while at the other hand, listed opportunities that are abound for them.
The challenges include male dominating the pace, sexual and gender based violence, women fighting women, lack of inclusion, male not willing to take instruction from women as well as cultural barriers and limited access to resources.
On the other hand, the participants listed limitless opportunities to include, networking, women supporting women, Social capital as well as Referral/ Recommendations.
The Media Clinic which was held virtually, featured an assemblage of dynamic personalities who shared their experience, knowledge and perspective on the topic “DigiTALL: Challenges and Opportunities For Female Journalists In Africa”.
The Clinic provided participants the opportunity to examine how female journalists in Africa are engaging the digital space in achieving their goal of informing, educating and enlightening the society towards social change.
According to the participants, female journalists might have limited access to resources such as funding, equipment and training opportunities which could make it difficult for them to compete with their male Counterparts.
On cultural barriers, the participants believe that some women are not expected to work outside home thereby limiting the number of female journalists in the industry.
They however noted with delight that more media organizations are recognizing the value of having diverse newsrooms which provide Opportunities for female journalists to play more prominent roles.
Digital media, the participants observed, has also opened up new opportunities for female journalists to tell their stories and reach a wider audience.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Executive Director, Africa Media Development Foundation, Mrs Sekyen Dadik said the annual event always featured media professionals, journalists, media executives ,development partners and CSOs to examine issues and proffer solutions.
“We have challenges of cyber bullying, online gender based violence, limited access to skills and knowledge of technological tools amongst others.
“That’s why for this particular media clinic, riding on the recently celebrated international women’s day that looked on the digital opportunities we have for women, we felt let’s look at the same issues for media clinic this year”.
The Media Clinic had Melony Ishola, Journalist /Film Maker from Nigeria and Nakwanga Eunice Kasirye Journalist from Uganda who served as Panelists, while an IT Expert, Mohammed Bayero Yayandi presented the lead Paper and Nanji Nanwang moderated.