“KD formalized my work in promoting ethical journalism and clearing pathways for women in media.”

Dinesh Balliah, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a trailblazer at the Wits Centre for Journalism. Her work centers on dismantling structural barriers in male-dominated newsrooms while teaching young journalists to embrace ethical practices. 

Impact in Action For years, Dinesh has been driven by the need to clear pathways for women in media. She uses the Kigali Declaration as a teaching tool in her ethics classes, illustrating how gender parity and ethical journalism are interconnected. By empowering her students to question traditional norms, she is equipping the next generation of journalists to lead with integrity. 

Inspiration from the Kigali Declaration The KD provided formal recognition of Dinesh’s long-standing efforts and reinforced her commitment to creating equitable spaces. It serves as both a teaching framework and a reminder of the ongoing work needed to achieve gender equality in the media. 

Overcoming Resistance Dinesh has faced resistance from conservative colleagues who view her approach as disruptive. Despite these challenges, she remains steadfast in her mission to inspire students and peers to uphold ethical journalism practices and promote gender equality.