AWiM2030 Vision
We are shaping the future of gender equality in and through media
A Message from AWiM’s Cofounders
When we created AWiM as a Facebook group in June 2016, we never envisioned the incredible journey we would take. Over the last nine years, AWiM grew organically, quickly and responsively to opportunities. We kept the lights on through project-by-project funding. Rising to the challenge and learning as we went, we seized opportunities and faced challenges head-on, even when resources were scarce, remaining steadfast in our vision that ‘one day African women will have equal opportunities and access in media’.
African Women
in Media (AWiM)
Our flagship initiative, the AWiM Conference, is the continent’s largest event dedicated to media and gender, convening stakeholders across sectors for meaningful action.
African Women in Media (AWiM) is an international non-governmental organisation working to advance gender equality in and through media across Africa. Since 2016, we’ve shifted narratives and structures through:
- Research that informs evidence-based policy and practice
- Strategic partnerships that amplify collective impact
- Capacity-building programmes for media professionals
- Advocacy that drives systemic and social change
Vision
A media landscape where African women have equal and equitable access to representation, opportunities, and influence — both on and off screen.
Mission
To create enabling environments for African women in media and challenge how African women are represented in media content. We achieve this by:
- Generating knowledge through rigorous research
- Driving sustainable change through partnerships
- Amplifying voices through advocacy and storytelling
- Empowering through learning and economic opportunities
Our Strategic Themes
AWiM’s Predictive Action Model: 3Fs
AWiM’s predictive action model ensures that we foresee and anticipate trends and challenges through decades of research and insight on the lived experiences of women in media and broader gender equality discourse; foster solutions through collective and action-driven dialogues and engagement; and future-proof enabling environments for women in media through collaboration and commitment to drive gender equality through insight-led, proactive action.
Our Strategic Pillars
Capacity Building
Empowering African women in media through tailored training, mentorship, and resources to ensure they thrive and lead in their fields.
Advocacy & Policy Engagement
Driving change by championing gender-equitable media policies and promoting frameworks that foster inclusive narratives.
Inclusive Media Environment
Redefining media spaces to reflect diverse realities—where women’s stories are prioritised, not sidelined
Strategic Partnerships & Networks
Building alliances across sectors to amplify impact and create new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
Sustainability & Organisational Growth
Ensuring long-term impact through sound governance, sustainable funding models, and an expanding continental presence.
AWiM Global Forum (formerly AWiM Conference)
An expanded, pan-African, cross-sectoral event for media, finance, tech, academia, civil society, and policymakers — fostering collaboration, investment, and inclusivity.
From Talk to Action: Institutionalising Conference Outcomes
We will introduce post-conference Working Groups, sustainability frameworks, and monitoring systems to ensure ideas become action.
Dynamic Themes for Evolving Times
Themes will be grounded in the Kigali Declaration and responsive to the real, lived experiences of African women in media.
AWiMediapreneur Programme
Evolved from our popular Pitch Zone, this platform provides access to funders, investors, mentorship, and training for media ventures led by women.
Regional Deep Dives
Smaller, localised events to contextualise the Kigali Declaration, drive grassroots momentum, and cultivate regional leadership.
The AWiMovement
Global Network for Career Growth & Advocacy
Be part of a dynamic, supportive network committed to gender equality in and through media. Access professional development opportunities and contribute to collective action.
Learn, Mentor, Lead
Through AWiMLearning, engage in short courses, certified training, and mentorship pathways shaped by the latest research and community input.
Shared Values, Collective Power
Every member is a champion of the Kigali Declaration. By joining the AWiMovement, you commit to actively shaping a media landscape that is inclusive, empowering, and just.
A word from our Board
"With immense pride and a deep sense of purpose, AWiM has developed a roadmap for the organisation's future. More than being a strategic plan, this document is a compass guiding AWiM into its next phase of impactful work"
Prof Oluyinka Esan
Chairperson
"This roadmap is a product of deep reflection, extensive consultation, and a clear-eyed assessment of the challenges and opportunities. It outlines our strategic pillars, each designed to foster a more inclusive, equitable, and impactful media ecosystem"
Phathiswa Magopeni
Vice Chairperson
Our Gratitude
To our partners, supporters, and community — you are the heartbeat of this movement. Your belief and support shape our journey, and this plan is a collective promise to build a future worthy of all African women in media.
