At African Women in Media (AWiM), we are proud to partner with UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) to lead TRAKD—a groundbreaking initiative to foster safer, more inclusive media spaces across Africa.
This project builds on the principles outlined in the Kigali Declaration, which emerged from the AWiM23 conference as a call to action to eliminate gender-based violence (GBV) in and through the media. With its regional focus, TRAKD is designed to drive transformative change in African newsrooms by promoting gender equality and advancing sustainable practices.
Our Role in the TRAKD Project
AWiM’s efforts are centred around three key pillars:
- Capacity Building
We are equipping media professionals with the knowledge and tools to combat Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TF-GBV) through cutting-edge training sessions. These include integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance newsroom practices while ensuring ethical and safe use. - Policy Advocacy
Our advocacy efforts focus on improving regulatory frameworks that protect the safety of journalists, particularly women, and promoting the adoption of Gender-Sensitive Indicators for Media (GSIM) and Journalists’ Safety Indicators (JSI). - Media and Information Literacy (MIL)
Through targeted campaigns, we aim to raise awareness of GBV issues and encourage media practitioners to adopt the Kigali Declaration’s guidelines for reporting and workplace policies.
The Vision of TRAKD
The initiative addresses two interconnected goals:
- Empowering Media Stakeholders: By hosting workshops and discussions at AWiM24, we will create spaces for knowledge exchange and collaboration among media professionals, academics, and policymakers.
- Tracking Progress: Awareness campaigns and regular monitoring will ensure that African newsrooms move toward full implementation of the Kigali Declaration’s provisions.
Key Themes
Under TRAKD, AWiM is driving action in areas crucial to the media landscape:
- Promoting Gender Equality: Developing newsroom guidelines and policies to ensure equitable practices.
- Ensuring the Safety of Women Journalists: Providing resources and training to address violence, both online and offline.
- Harnessing AI and Emerging Technologies: Exploring how AI can be leveraged to combat GBV while maintaining ethical standards.
Why It Matters
The Kigali Declaration highlighted the urgent need for awareness and clear guidelines to address the challenges women face in the media—both as professionals and subjects of coverage. TRAKD bridges the gap between principles and practice, empowering African media to lead the way in creating safer, more equitable environments.
With UNESCO IPDC, AWiM is shaping a future where women thrive in and through the media. Stay tuned as we share updates and stories of impact from this transformative journey!
