”16 Days Of Activism” : Advancing Gender Equality Through Media 

                                                       Spotlight on Rwanda

Rwanda has long been a beacon of progress in addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and promoting gender equality. In alignment with the Kigali Declaration’s mission to eliminate GBV in and through media, we are proud to feature initiatives from Rwandan organizations actively driving this change. 

These initiatives demonstrate the power of ethical journalism and community engagement in challenging harmful norms, raising the voices of survivors, and advocating for gender-sensitive practices. By showcasing their work, we aim to inspire action and collaboration across the KD community and beyond. 

Explore the groundbreaking efforts of these Rwandan initiatives, which embody the spirit of the Kigali Declaration and provide a roadmap for impactful, inclusive media practices. 

                         Women of Impact: Creating Safe Spaces for Female Journalists 

The Women of Impact Initiative, spearheaded by Nibakwe Edith, is reshaping Rwanda’s media landscape by addressing the often-overlooked challenges faced by female journalists. At the heart of the initiative lies the Gender Café, a platform designed to foster open dialogue, build solidarity, and create actionable solutions to combat sexual harassment and GBV in media workplaces. 

A Platform for Change: The Gender Cafés 

The Gender Café is more than just a gathering—it is a safe space for female journalists to share their stories, explore collective challenges, and identify strategies for change. Through facilitated discussions, participants delve into the realities of harassment and inequality, while also seeking ways to promote gender-sensitive practices within their profession. 

Key stakeholders, including media leaders, legal experts, and law enforcement representatives, join these sessions to provide advice and actionable recommendations. By bridging perspectives, the Gender Café helps empower journalists to speak up, advocate for their rights, and foster accountability in the media industry. 

          Highlights from Recent Sessions 

The Media Gender Café, held on September 19, 2024, at Century Park Hotel, brought together 25 participants, including chief editors, journalism students, and representatives from women’s media associations. 

Key discussion points included: 

• Personal testimonies from female journalists detailing workplace harassment. 

• Challenges faced by women entering the media sector. 

• Recommendations for creating gender desks and strengthening internal policies to ensure workplace safety. 

This session not only shed light on the barriers women face but also led to actionable steps, such as initiating dialogues with university students to prepare the next generation of journalists to stand against harassment. 

Outcomes and Commitments 

The Gender Cafés have already begun to yield tangible results: 

1. Policy Recommendations: Participating media houses committed to establishing gender desks and implementing policies to promote safer workplaces. 

1. Empowering Future Journalists: Women of Impact pledged to engage with journalism students at universities, educating them about their rights and preparing them to challenge gender biases as they enter the workforce. 

1. Building Solidarity: The cafés promoted a network of female journalists dedicated to supporting one another and advocating for lasting change in their industry. 

Alignment with the Kigali Declaration 

This initiative embodies the principles of the Kigali Declaration by creating a space for open dialogue and collaboration. Through these sessions, Women of Impact advances the Declaration’s goals of ethical reporting and gender-sensitive practices, inspiring both media professionals and institutions to take action. 

Looking Forward 

The Women of Impact Initiative has made significant strides, but the journey continues. Future sessions will focus on: 

• Monitoring the implementation of policies recommended during the Gender Cafés. 

• Expanding dialogues to reach more female journalists and journalism students across Rwanda. 

• Promoting accountability through ongoing discussions and reporting on progress. 

 Creating safe media spaces requires collective effort. Female journalists and allies are encouraged to join the conversation, share experiences, and advocate for change. The Women of Impact Initiative invites you to become part of this movement. 

Learn more about this initiative and sign the Kigali Declaration today. Together, we can create a safer, more equitable future in the media.