IAWRT-KE

Tag: #NoExcuse

  • Mapping and Reporting Violations on Safety Of Women Journalists in Africa

    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 journalism.

    Owing to the need to curb O/GBV, mapping and reporting cases stand to be critical steps in the fight. This project, supported by UNESCO and IDPC developed the monitoring tool to enable mapping of violation cases using modern technologies.

    The key highlights of the Webinar included:

    • Introduction to the monitoring and reporting Platform
      Participants were introduced to the monitoring  platform https://report.iawrt.or.ke/views/map. It allows users to sign in and map incidents, contributing to data-driven advocacy and accountability.
    • Rallying call to mapping violations
      Attendees were encouraged to actively map cases of O/GBV against journalists during the 16 Days of Activism. This initiative aims to highlight the prevalence of such violations, ensuring they are documented and addressed effectively.

    This initiative is a significant step in curbing O/GBV against female journalists by:

    • Providing a Safe Space for Reporting: The platform offers a confidential and accessible way for female journalists to report violations, ensuring their voices are heard and their experiences documented.
    • Data-Driven Advocacy: The collected data will inform targeted interventions and policy advocacy to address systemic issues contributing to O/GBV in the media. Key stakeholders including the Judicial systems and the police will also be well informed on how to handle reported cases.
    • Raising Awareness: By mapping violations, the project sheds light on the often-overlooked risks faced by female journalists,for public and institutional awareness.
    • Building Accountability: The platform facilitates transparency and accountability, pressuring perpetrators and institutions to act against the vice.
    • Empowering Female Journalists: The initiative aims to empower female journalists by providing tools and resources to advocate for their safety and rights and eliminate the fear and shaming of victims.

    The webinar marked an important moment in rallying collective action to protect female journalists in Africa by mapping cases – the most important step in gathering data.

    Journalists and digital media users at large are encouraged to leverage the platform as a tool for advocacy and change especially in these 16 Days of Activism against GBV. 

     IAWRT is committed to creating safer spaces for female journalists in Africa and beyond and keenly underscores the need for collaborative action to achieve this goal.

    Feel free to map violations anywhere across Africa.

    Sign into the platform via : https://report.iawrt.or.ke/views/map

    By Raylenne Kambua

  • Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies: International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists

    Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies: International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists

    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, Afghanistan, and other parts of the world, beg the need for an immediate and continuous flow of humanitarian information. In these emergencies, reliable information from unbiased media hubs that can be accessed freely is desperately needed.

    The launch of the Global Repository of National and Regional Safety Mechanisms for Journalists which contain 57 nations and 14 action plans worldwide seeks to address these issues in a more in-depth and direct manner. One sure way by involving different stakeholders in the quest to end impunity by perpetrators of the heinous attacks.

     Donna Lynn Caparas from the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) in the Philippines, revealed how numerous journalists were killed for reporting on the illegal logging involving a Mayor because the police did not adequately protect them.

    There is also a need for more Pan-African collaboration within the continent regarding monitoring and reporting on the safety of journalists.

    There have been some successful practices in crisis zones for example in Somalia as explained by Ms. Leyla Mohammed, Editor, Radio Ergo concerning providing security for the female reporters.

    However, the opposite is happening in the Sahel region with journalists being detained and disappearing at an alarming rate.

    To address the gendered aspect of safety regarding women in these high-risk zones, The International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) working with other stakeholders in the region, has developed an online mapping system that ensures effective monitoring and reporting of attacks against journalists with a bias towards women journalists.

    This is because women journalists face higher risks of abductions and assaults including rape. Immediate reports on attacks against journalists are meant to ensure a spontaneous response, especially for journalists who require protection and other support instantly.

    The online mapping system, already in effect in 16 African countries and seeking to upgrade to include all African nations, has been supported by the IPDC program under UNESCO.

    A key highlight of the day was the virtual Scroll of the names of 1653 journalists killed in their line of duty, in the past 30 years. 

    Let us track , monitor and report attacks against journalists here: https://report.iawrt.or.ke/views/map

    By, Lily Mwaniga – IAWRT Member, Kenya.

  • Day 2: Invest To Prevent Online Gender – Based Violence (OGBV) #SafetyOFWomenJournalists #16DaysOfActivism

    Day 2: Invest To Prevent Online Gender – Based Violence (OGBV) #SafetyOFWomenJournalists #16DaysOfActivism

    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:

    Investment in Educational Initiatives

    Investing in educational programs that promote consent, gender equality, and healthy relationships is crucial. These programs, which aim to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding, can begin in childhood and continue throughout maturity.

    Policy and Law

    It is essential to make investments in the creation and upholding of laws and policies that provide protection against GBV. Adequate funding guarantees proper execution and oversight of these actions to hold perpetrators responsible and provide survivors justice.

    Community Programs

    It is critical to provide funding for community-based initiatives that bring men and boys together to debate gender stereotypes, healthy masculinity, and positive roles models for males. These programs target fundamental societal norms and attitudes with the goal of preventing Gender Based Violence.

    Research and Data Collection

    Investing in research and data collection efforts provides a deeper understanding of the root causes and prevalence of GBV. This data aids in successfully tailoring preventative strategies and interventions.

    Workplace Initiatives

    It is critical to support workplace policies and initiatives that advance gender equality, offer harassment prevention training, and assist survivors in the workplace. In addition to fostering safe spaces, this helps to alter social norms.

    By investing in prevention, societies can save resources and create safer, healthier, and more equitable communities for everyone.

    The International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) is a global nonprofit professional organization of women working in electronic media, Technology, and allied media. IAWRT strives to meet the urgent global challenges faced by women in and around the media.

    This Kenyan chapter has over 100 members spread across media houses and other like-minded organizations. It received its charter to operate as a local chapter in 2005. One of our core objectives is to support the professional development of members through exchange of ideas, experiences and technical knowledge which in turn is utilized as media skills to ensure that women’s concerns, views and values are an integral part of electronic programming.

    By, Raylenne Kambua

    Digital Media Associate IAWRT

  • Day 1: United Voices: Journalists Join Forces for #SafetyOfWomenJournalists #16DaysOfActivism

    Day 1: United Voices: Journalists Join Forces for #SafetyOfWomenJournalists #16DaysOfActivism

    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 tapestry of stories that not only raise awareness but also inspire action. This unity transforms information into a powerful tool for advocacy, pushing boundaries and breaking down the walls of silence.

    By fostering mentorship, IAWRT contributes to the unity within the journalistic realm during campaigns like #16DaysOfActivism. This mentorship becomes a bridge between seasoned journalists and those entering the field, creating a network of support that strengthens the overall impact of journalism in advocating against gender-based violence.

    The organisation becomes a cornerstone for building solidarity, amplifying voices, and inspiring a new generation of reporters committed to challenging the status quo.

    By, Neema Mujesia,

    Digital Media Scientist, Researcher, and Analyst.