Online ReporterSifelani Tsiko
Journalists in East and Southern Africa have reaffirmed their commitment to promote positive social norms, dismantle harmful stereotypes and champion gender equality.
Media professionals from these two African regions made the pledge at the Generation Equality Media and Commitment Makers Forum, which was recently held in Nairobi, Kenya.
The participants included government officials, civil society organisations, youth activists, private sector representatives and journalists drawn from more than 14 East and Southern African countries.
At the forum, the participants discussed impactful ways for the media to foster positive social norms, dismantle harmful stereotypes and champion gender equality.
Representatives from the signatory media organisations committed to a series of concrete actions: advancing gender-sensitive reporting, developing dedicated gender equality editorial policies, amplifying the crucial work and voices of Generation Equality Commitment Makers, and diligently monitoring and evaluating progress made in advancing gender equality through the media.
“We, the undersigned media organisations gathered at the Generation Equality Media and Commitment Makers Forum, recognise the critical role of media in shaping narratives and holding institutions accountable for gender equality and women’s empowerment across East and Southern Africa and beyond.
“We pledge to ensure the efforts of gender equality players are visible, impactful, and sustained, to promote positive social norms, challenge harmful perceptions and break stereotypes,” read part of the declaration.
Victor Bwire of the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) urged stakeholders to consistently produce quality, timely content that naturally showcases women’s significant contributions across various sectors.
Anna Mutavati, regional director, UN Women East and Southern Africa, underscored the indispensable role of media.
“Across Africa, we are facing growing challenges, from the climate emergency and conflict, to shrinking civic space, that continue to disproportionately affect women and girls.
“Additionally, unprecedented funding shrinkage, where many women’s organisations are stretched yet still expected to deliver life-saving services, defend rights and support communities. In times like these, we must stand together.
“We must unite our hands, our resources and our expertise, and we count on media partners.”
She urged a shift from “one-off events to sustained partnerships, from isolated stories to systemic narrative change and from reporting on women to reporting with women.”
