“For the freedom of Expression to be preserved, there is a need to look deeply into and tackle the deliberate misogyny and hate speech that is fast manifesting through gender misinformation” this is according to Ms. Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights to Freedom of Opinion and Expression. Speaking during the APC members' consultative meeting, Ms. Khan emphasized the need to contextualize such...
By, Raylenne Kambua Community networks are emerging as critical elements in the pursuit of bridging the digital divide and in transforming communities. IAWRT Kenya is honoured to have joined other stakeholders, community network visionaries and policy makers at the National Convening for Community Networks in Kenya from the 4th to 6th of December. This transformative event aimed to further discussions on strategies for strengthening the...
On Sunday, 24th November 2024, the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) Kenya successfully hosted a webinar focused on reporting violations against female journalists in Africa. The session brought together journalists, media practitioners and stakeholders to discuss the pressing and rising challenge of gender-based violence (GBV) and online gender-based violence (OGBV) that disproportionately affect women in...
Over the past several years, journalistic integrity and safety have been under attack due to the rapidly rising number of deaths, threats, and assaults to reporters across the globe. This two-day event was launched as a global call to action on behalf of the many journalists risking their lives to report on the different humanitarian conflicts happening concurrently around the world. The crises in Ukraine, Palestine, Haiti, the Congo, Yemen,...
Investing in preventing gender-based violence is not only a moral imperative but also an economic one. GBV has significant costs and consequences, including medical, legal, and missed productivity expenditures. On several fronts, it is necessary to invest in the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV) more so as we mark this year’s #16days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence on Women and Girls. These could be achieved through:...
In the realm of journalism, unity becomes an empowering force, especially during the #16DaysOfActivism. This annual campaign against gender-based violence demands a collective stance from the journalistic community to shed light on the stories often silenced. Journalists, united in purpose, become a formidable voice, amplifying narratives that drive change and challenge the status quo. As the pen and the camera unite, journalists weave a...
"Mentorship is the art of unlocking potential by guiding individuals through open doors." Caroline Ghosn Embracing this philosophy, the International Association of Women in Radio and Television, Kenya chapter, has, for the past six years, championed a transformative platform for female journalists in Kenya. Handpicked from diverse universities nationwide, aspiring female journalists are granted a unique opportunity to undergo a year-long...
By Cecilia Maundu In today's digital age, the Internet, including social media, serves as an indispensable tool forjournalists to connect with their peers, engage with the public, conduct research, andexpress their viewpoints. However, it's essential to acknowledge that the Internet has alsogiven rise to gender-based online violence, which disproportionately affects womenjournalists. A 2020 UN Women report highlighted that women working in the...
The significance of AI in technology debates cannot be overstated, as its wide-ranging influence extends to the media and various other sectors. Recognizing the disruptive potential of AI, the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) organized a webinar on July 7th, 2023, in collaboration with the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and the US Embassy. The event featured guest speaker John Walubengo, an IT...
The prevalence of gender-based violence has been reported to increase globally and Kenya is not an exception to the geographics facing the menace. GBV happens in various channels which spread at work, school, and even homes. However, over time GBV has been witnessed to spread in sectors such as the health, legal sectors, and Online. Therefore this calls for journalists to take control of the reportage of this situation and accurately inform the...
Social media and other digital platforms have greatly empowered people across the globe to communicate, dispense ideas and information, transform societies, educate themselves, and entertain themselves. This has facilitated the promotion of freedom of expression and easy access to information. On the other hand, these platforms have also been misused as useful tools and incentives used to spread hate speech, propaganda, and disinformation. On...
