In a historic conclusion to the African Women in Media (AWIM) Conference 2023, held on December 1st at the Kigali Marriott Hotel, the closing ceremony reverberated with significant importance as the Kigali Declaration on the Elimination of Gender Violence in and through Media was established.
Dr. Yemisi Akinbobola, co-founder of AWIM, delivered a passionate address, highlighting the pivotal role media organizations must play in dismantling stereotypes and promoting gender equality.
During the ceremony, Dr. Yemisi emphasized the urgency for the media industry to take a proactive stance in reshaping narratives surrounding gender violence.
Dr. Yemisi Akinbobola, co-founder of AWIM
She appreciated everyone’s unwavering participation in making this event a success.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by the presentations, I’ve been overwhelmed by the well wishes, and all of you who approached me, telling me how impactful this event has been. Thank you so much for everything-your participation, for being here. We have over one hundred people who came from outside Rwanda for this conference,” she said.
In her declaration, Dr. Yemisi urged attendees not to remain silent on gender-based violence but to actively commit to spreading awareness within their respective organizations about the Kigali Declaration
“The declaration of the principles we just adopted is the symbolic turning point concerning gender violence. We have just made history, and I hope that, as we all return to our normal day-to-day work and life, we all consider ourselves champions of this Kigali Declaration,” she said.
Dr. Yemisi further stated, “So, I’m going to ask that if you will commit in the next week also that as you return to your organization, you organize meetings—breakfast meetings or whatever it is-gathering with your colleagues, with your decision-makers in your organizations, and tell them about this declaration. With the theme ‘Media and Gender Violence,’ this year’s conference focused on the need to unite and set the bar higher in the media’s commitment to addressing how it reports gender-based violence and creating an enabling environment for women journalists.”
Dr. Valentine Uwamariya , the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion in Rwanda
Dr. Valentine Uwamariya , the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion in Rwanda, took the stage to commend the collective commitment demonstrated throughout the conference.
Stressing the powerful influence of media in shaping societal attitudes, Dr. Uwamariya urged media practitioners to leverage their voice, graphics, videos, and all channels to advocate for the elimination of gender-based violence.
She praised the Kigali Declaration as a testament to joint determination in the fight against gender-based violence and expressed that Rwanda stands firm in eradicating any form of violence that may occur.
“Rwanda stands firm with its unwavering support for initiatives challenging harmful stereotypes, advocating for gender equality, and fostering secure spaces for women in the media industry,” stated Dr. Uwamariya Valentine.
Furthermore, Dr. Uwamariya highlighted that, despite Rwanda’s significant efforts in creating a safer environment for women, she acknowledged that there is still a long way to go.
She called upon everyone, especially those in media houses, to continue engaging in crucial conversations and unite for repeatable actions aimed at eradicating gender-based violence in the whole world.
“This commitment doesn’t conclude here that is why, I urge every participant to continue this crucial conversation within your spheres of influence. Let us unite in amplifying the voices of women in media to contribute to a more reputable and just society,” she highlighted.
The intersection of media and gender violence encompasses how media portrays gender and perpetuates violence based on gender identity.
This includes not only physical violence but also psychological, sexual, and economic forms. Recent statistics underscore the persistent global issue of gender-based violence, disproportionately affecting women and girls. Women in media, too, have faced long-standing gender-based discrimination and various forms of violence in their professional lives, including sexual harassment.
At the forefront of this united front were representatives from the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Studies at Institut Catholique De Kabgayi (ICK).
Lecturers Mr. Henry Mapesa and Mrs. Nyandwi Berthilde, along with dedicated journalism students, actively participated in the conference. Their presence underscored the commitment of ICK’s journalism faculty to contribute to the discourse on gender violence and highlighted the crucial role education and media play in shaping attitudes and fostering positive change. The Kigali Declaration, a testament to collaborative efforts, outlines strategies for the media to serve as a potent force in building a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
As the AWIM23 Rwanda conference brought together a diverse group, including media practitioners, academia, policy actors, and civil society organizations, to share best practices and strategize actions to address these pressing issues its closing ceremony served as a powerful reminder that the fight against gender violence requires a united front, with media playing a pivotal role in shaping attitudes and fostering positive change. The Kigali Declaration stands as a result of collaborative efforts, on how media can be a powerful force in creating a more equitable and inclusive equitable future for all.
Source: ickjournalism.com
