“The Kigali Declaration has been an inspiration to continue advocating for women’s empowerment and gender-sensitive media reporting.“

Sarah Mawerere, a journalist with Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), Farm Radio International, and Barzarwire Online, is using the power of local media to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in her country. Based in Kampala, Uganda, her work is dedicated to raising awareness about GBV through radio programs aired in local languages and English, empowering women with practical solutions to tackle societal challenges. 

Impact in Action Sarah’s reporting focuses on how empowering women to access credit and generate income can reduce poverty and prevent GBV. She highlights the stories of women who, through informed decisions, have transformed their lives and contributed to their families and communities. From discussing financial independence to showcasing coffee farming as a pathway out of poverty, Sarah’s programs offer tangible strategies for change. 

Inspiration from the Kigali Declaration Sarah credits the Kigali Declaration (KD) with driving her continued dedication to gender-focused reporting. After attending the Kigali conference, where she spoke about the importance of indigenous languages in educating communities on GBV, Sarah returned with renewed purpose. The KD serves as a guiding framework for her mission to bring untold stories to light and inspire change. 

Challenges and Resilience Despite her impactful work, Sarah often faces financial constraints, self-funding travel to rural areas to report on GBV. Through resourcefulness and collaboration with women leaders, she ensures these critical stories reach a wider audience. Sarah hopes initiatives like AWiM will consider hosting annual media awards to further support gender-focused journalism.