Women journalists play a pivotal role in shaping public discourse, promoting transparency, and amplifying underrepresented voices. In the IGAD region—which includes Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda—women in media are leading critical reporting on governance, human rights, climate change, and social justice. Their contributions are essential in strengthening democracy, fostering informed societies, and challenging gender biases in news coverage.
Despite their significant impact, women in journalism continue to encounter systemic barriers that hinder their professional growth and safety. These challenges range from gender discrimination and unequal access to leadership roles to online and offline harassment, financial limitations, and restrictive cultural norms.
Key Challenges Faced by Women in Journalism
- Gender Disparity in Leadership and Decision-Making
Although women are increasingly visible in newsrooms, they remain underrepresented in executive and editorial leadership roles. This limits their influence over media narratives and policies. - Safety and Protection Risks
Women journalists often face threats, harassment, and violence—both online and offline—while conducting their work. These risks discourage many from engaging in investigative and conflict reporting. - Limited Access to Resources and Equal Pay
Wage disparities, unequal training opportunities, and lack of financial support hinder the professional growth of women journalists, restricting their ability to produce impactful reporting. - Cultural and Societal Barriers
In many communities, traditional norms still restrict women’s participation in journalism, making it difficult for them to access sensitive sources, cover critical topics, or advance in their careers.
IGAD’s Commitment to Strengthening Women’s Role in Journalism
To address these challenges, IGAD has launched initiatives aimed at empowering female journalists and ensuring gender equity in the media sector. Key interventions include:
- Training and Capacity Building
IGAD collaborates with media organizations to provide training in investigative reporting, digital security, and conflict-sensitive journalism. These programmes equip women journalists with the skills to navigate complex reporting environments safely and effectively. - Mentorship and Networking Opportunities
IGAD facilitates mentorship programmes, linking aspiring female journalists with seasoned professionals. This initiative fosters peer support, knowledge exchange, and career advancement. - Policy and Advocacy for Gender-Inclusive Media
IGAD works with media houses and policymakers to promote gender-responsive policies that ensure fair employment practices, equal pay, and protection mechanisms for women in journalism. - Promoting Women’s Voices in Media Content
By advocating for increased representation of women in news production and editorial roles, IGAD encourages balanced reporting that reflects diverse perspectives on societal issues. - Enhancing Safety and Security for Women Journalists
Through partnerships with regional and international organisations, IGAD supports initiatives that provide legal assistance, emergency support, and digital safety training for women journalists facing threats and harassment.
The Way Forward: Ensuring a Gender-Inclusive Media Landscape
To foster a more equitable and inclusive media sector, governments, media organisations, and development partners must:
- Enforce policies that promote gender equality in newsroom leadership and decision-making.
- Strengthen legal protections and security measures for women journalists.
- Increase funding for female-led media initiatives and investigative journalism projects.
- Support research and data collection on gender representation in media to inform evidence-based policy reforms.
- Encourage media training institutions to integrate gender-sensitive reporting into their curricula.
Women in journalism are instrumental in driving social change, holding leaders accountable, and giving voice to the voiceless. By eliminating structural barriers, enhancing professional development opportunities, and ensuring their safety, IGAD and its member states can create an enabling environment where women journalists thrive. Investing in gender-inclusive media is not just about fairness—it is about building a more informed, democratic, and resilient society for all.
