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.