Countdown To AWiM24 Conference

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

28^th November, 2024.

All roads lead to Dakar, the Senegalese capital, venue for this year’s African women in  media conference, 2024 (AWiM24) from 5^th to 6^th December, 2024.

The theme of this year’s edition is  “Media and Sustainability’’. It will be focused on three key areas namely:

• The business and financial models of media businesses
• The relationship between media and sustainable development goals, including those of human rights, gender equality and climate
• The changing media ecologies in relation to emerging and new technologies, especially artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Some of the key action plans from AWiM24 conference will  be to develop viable media business and financial models in Africa, and offer valuable insights and skills to address media sustainability as Africa approaches 2030.

The conference program features a mix of engaging sessions, including panels, workshops, exhibitions, fireside chats, and a spectacular conference dinner. These sessions are designed to inspire, connect, and elevate voices for a brighter future.

Eager to welcome all participants and attendees to this annual event, Dr Yemisi Akinbobola, co-founder and CEO, African Women in Media in her words  said “It is not often we consider the expertise and voices of women in media when discussing media ecologies. Whilst we discuss critical industry developments, challenges, and opportunities, we must not forget the impact and voices of women. Doing so only encourages us to repeat past gaps.”

Looking forward to host the great event, alongside other  key partners,  the Regional Director of Article 19, Senegal and West Africa, Mr Alfred Bulakali.  said ‘’the AWIM Conference 2024 in Dakar is a testament to the importance of bringing diverse voices together to tackle the pressing media issues of our time. In today’s rapidly changing media landscape, sustainability is not just about preserving the environment, but also about ensuring that media organisations are resilient, independent, and equipped to face challenges, such as disinformation, violence against women and economic pressures”  

Key speakers are media professionals and experts in the Academia from  all over Africa. They will  be gracing the stage  in different sessions and breaking down innovative solutions to achieving sustainable media practices. Some of the Speakers are:

• Phathiswa Magopeni, Board Director, South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)– The Media Marketplace: Models, Practices and Lessons Learned in Media Business and Management
• Ferial Haffajee, Associate Editor, Daily Maverick– Ensuring a viable business model in unviable media markets: African Women-Led success stories
• Oluwadara Ajala, Program Manager, Media Development Investment Fund– MDIF’s Approach to Media Sustainability
• Nelly Kalu, Project Manager(Journalist), Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism– The Metaverse Product and Sustainable Journalism.
• Nancy Booker, Associate Professor and Dean, Aga Khan University-Setting the AJENDA for a holistic approach to media sustainability
• Aidah Agwang, Public Relations Specialist, Compassion International– Representation and Media: Sustainable Development Through Media Narratives
• Ruth Butaumocho, Managing Editor, The Herald– Lights, Camera, AI: Current trends and the future of Artificial Intelligence in Media Business.
• Aijamal Duishebaeva, UN Women Regional Office for East and Southern Africa– UN  WOMEN
• Alex Taremwa, Lecturer, Aga Khan University – Media and Communications– Lights, Camera, AI: Current trends and the future of Artificial Intelligence in Media Business.
• Anikeade Funke Akintoye, Associate Lecturer/Doctoral Student, Lagos State University– Soundscapes: From Storytelling to Sustainability Audio Media and Podcasts.
• Anita Eboigbe, Chief of Staff (Business Operations), Big Cabal Media– African Media Sustainability: The Gender Equity Fix

Some of the  key partners and sponsors  of AWiM24 include; Article 19, Luminate, UNESCO, MacArthur Foundation, SkyTeam Global Meetings, Nigeria Media Innovation Program, Fojo Media Institute, and WITS Centre For Journalism.