Her Media Diary: Recent Episodes
Yemisi Akinbobola
Dr Yemisi Akinbobola dives into the lived experiences of successful African women in medla. Her personal interview style takes you on the life journey of these leading women. You will be inspired, laugh, but most of all you will be empowered knowing that you too can make it in the media industry.
Elvine Tina Ouma is a journalist, podcaster, and curator of Kenya's first feminist magazine. She is the host of the Feminist Spark podcast and has published across Women's Media Centre, The Elephant, Minority Africa, African Women in Media's AWiNews platform, The Nation, The Star, and Potentash Africa. As a recent fellow on gender and AI reporting, Elvine spent six months investigating how artificial intelligence is landing in the lives of African women, documenting stories that reveal both the promise and peril of AI adoption across Kenya's media, health, and political landscapes.
In this episode, Dr Yemisi Akinbobola sits down with Elvine to explore her journey from a small town in Western Kenya to becoming one of the continent's most compelling voices on AI, gender, and digital rights. Elvin shares how her father nurtured her interest in politics from a young age, asking her to name government ministers and sparking a curiosity that would later shape her journalism. She recounts writing her first story at nine, starting a blog during COVID to document untold stories of widows, orphans, and survivors, and how fiction writing remains a dream she intends to pursue alongside her investigative work. Elvine also reflects on how her first fellowship with African Women in Media, focused on reporting women in politics, set the stage for her current work examining how AI accelerates violence against women leaders in Kenya.
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the four groundbreaking stories Elvine produced during her fellowship. The first investigated contraception access for women with disabilities and uncovered a shocking 19-year data gap. Elvine explains how this gap undermines AI systems designed to deliver health services, as apps and chatbots are trained on data from India rather than Kenyan lived realities. She shares stories of young women with disabilities who use contraception to preserve their dignity, yet face healthcare systems and AI tools that lack the capacity to understand their needs. Her second story examined Kenya's obsession with feminising bad governance, documenting how AI accelerated the creation and circulation of misogynistic imagery during the 2024 finance bill protests. Politicians and activists were placed in bras, heels, and wigs to signal they were weak or corrupt, with the insult being womanness itself. Elvin spoke to renowned Kenyan cartoonist Gado, who told her that AI lacks the nuance political satire requires and that what is circulating online is not satire but intentional harm.
Elvine's third story investigated the TikTok stranger removal trend, where users developed coded language to bypass algorithmic censorship and promote unsafe abortion services. She reveals how the mass layoff of Kenyan content moderators, replaced by AI systems that do not understand Sheng or local slang, allowed quack doctors to thrive on the platform. These sellers offer half dosages of abortion medication to maximise profit, leading to a spike in post abortion complications reported at Nairobi hospitals. Her final story was an image generation experiment that revealed how AI sees Kenyans. Doctors, presidents, and governors were all men. Nannies, nurses, and TikTokers were women. When prompted to generate images of Kenyan Muslim women at the coast, AI produced Palestinian-looking women. When asked for a young Kenyan woman at Mandamano, a protest, AI generated a light-skinned woman in booty shorts and a bralette, while a Gen Z protester without gender specification was a fully dressed man holding a Kenyan flag. Elvine argues that these biases are not neutral. They reflect and reinforce stereotypes that risk erasing African women from digital spaces.
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Her Media Diary is produced by African Women in Media (AWiM). This episode is sponsored by Luminate.
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Titilope Fadare-Oparinde is a multimedia journalist and founder of Generative AI Journalism with Titi, an initiative dedicated to helping African journalists integrate artificial intelligence into their workflows ethically and creatively.
In this episode, Titi shares her journey from a Lagos-born journalist curious about both print and broadcast media to becoming a leading voice in AI literacy for African newsrooms. She recounts the moment she stumbled upon ChatGPT while writing a seminar paper and realized that what took weeks could be done in seconds. That discovery led her to ask a critical question: how can this tool help journalists? Titi explains how she prayed for direction, received a light bulb idea during a family devotion, and launched her initiative with personal resources and deep passion. She describes the initial resistance she faced when training older journalists who questioned what a young woman could teach them, and how she learned to acknowledge their fears, break down complex concepts, and create inclusive, hands-on learning experiences that shifted their mindset.
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the gap between AI adoption and AI literacy in African newsrooms. Titi reveals that 95 per cent of Nigerian journalists use AI tools weekly, yet only 10 per cent have received structured training. She warns that newsrooms operating inside this gap risk publishing hallucinated information, reproducing Western biases, and exposing confidential sources. Titi walks listeners through the top three recurring issues she encounters: job loss fears, racial and contextual bias in AI-generated content, and hallucinations. She explains how she uses a simple exercise, asking participants to generate an image of a scientist, to reveal how AI defaults to a white man in a lab coat, and why inclusive prompting and context engineering are essential skills for African journalists. Titi also highlights initiatives like Africa No Filter's Africa Bias Buster, an AI tool designed to identify and remove bias in content, and emphasizes the importance of African journalists becoming co-architects of AI solutions and policies.
Titi closes with a powerful message to African women journalists: stop staying in the background. She urges them to ask questions, join decision-making processes, and be part of shaping AI governance and newsroom policies. She reminds listeners that AI will not take their jobs, but journalists who refuse to learn AI might lose theirs. Her advice is simple: start with what you have, stay curious, and never stop advancing yourself. For Titi, curiosity is not just a mindset; it is the foundation of resilience, innovation, and survival in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction: Building a Media Career in the Age of AI * 00:01:06 Growing Up in Lagos: Early Journalism and the NYSC Experience * 00:02:05 From Mobile Journalism to AI: The Pandemic Pivot * 00:02:57 The Seminar Paper Moment: Discovering AI's Power * 00:04:37 The Training Gap: 95% Use AI, Only 10% Have Structured Training * 00:05:04 Resistance and Change: Navigating Newsroom Skepticism * 00:06:50 The Empathy Approach: Teaching Journalists Who Built Careers Without AI * 00:10:45 Founding Generative AI Journalism with Titi: A Prayer Answered * 00:12:08 Creative and Ethical Integration: Beyond Random AI Use * 00:14:11 AWIM Learning Platform: Courses for African Journalists * 00:14:59 Top Three Issues: Job Loss Fears, Bias, and Hallucinations * 00:16:20 The Scientist Exercise: Exposing Racial Bias in AI * 00:17:28 Prompt Engineering and the E-Book: Structured AI for Better Outputs * 00:19:36 Beyond Prompting: The Bigger Problem of AI Bias from the Global North * 00:21:25 Africa Bias Buster: An AI Tool to Identify and Remove Bias * 00:22:59 Start Where You Are: Advice for Journalists Who've Never Used AI * 00:25:07 The Human Editorial Factor: What AI Can't Replace * 00:26:32 Stay Curious: The One Thing That Changes Everything * 00:27:53 Women at the Table: Be Co-Architects of AI Solutions * 00:30:00* Closing Thoughts: Subscribe and Stay Curious
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Her Media Diary is produced by African Women in Media (AWiM). And this episode is sponsored by Luminate
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Melanie Keita is the founder and CEO of Melanin Kapital, a digital bank focused on financing Africa's green economy. Born and raised in France, Melanie built a career in sustainable finance across Europe and Africa, working with the United Nations in Kenya and the German fund Finance in Motion. Her work spans corporate finance, sustainable development, and impact investing, with a focus on agriculture, renewable energy, electric mobility, and recycling. Today, she leads Melanin Kapital from Nairobi, providing innovative financing solutions to African SMEs through carbon credits, invoice financing, and clean technology loans.
In this episode, Melanie discusses her decision to leave Europe and build for Africa, the philosophical foundations of her work, and why the continent's financing gap is as much a narrative problem as it is a structural one. Melanie shares how her childhood experiences with racism in rural France planted the seed for her return to the continent, and how her father's story of forced migration for economic survival shaped her commitment to creating a future where Africans can choose where they live and work.
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on why African women and SMEs are systematically denied access to finance. Melanie explains how traditional banks fail to design products suited to women's business models, how Venture Capital (VC) spaces remain male-dominated and uncomfortable for women, and why only 2.6 per cent of global venture capital goes to women-led businesses. She breaks down the different types of financing African women need, from short-term cash flow loans for traders and farmers to longer-term growth capital for manufacturers and tech entrepreneurs, and why trust, segmentation, and cultural understanding are essential to closing the gender financing gap.
Melanie also introduces listeners to the innovative financing model Melanin Capital uses, including carbon credits as collateral. She explains how African businesses in the green economy are already saving carbon through electric vehicles, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture, and how those carbon savings can be certified and sold to polluting companies in Europe and America. She argues that Africa should not be seen as a continent of potential waiting to be unlocked, but as a market already building, already innovating, and already delivering essential services to millions of people every day. Melanie reminds listeners that migration should be a choice, not an economic necessity.
Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction: From France to Nairobi - Building for Africa * 00:00:52 Growing Up Between Two Worlds: Racism and the Call to Return * 00:04:08 Family Legacy: Congo, Senegal, and the Weight of Diaspora Expectations * 00:07:13 The Finance Gap: Why African Entrepreneurs Can't Access Capital * 00:11:31 The Gender Finance Gap: 44 Billion Dollars and Counting * 00:13:21 Why Banks Fail Women: Product Design, Trust, and Cultural Disconnect * 00:16:57 The VC Bro Culture Problem: Trust, Bias, and Uncomfortable Questions * 00:21:14 What is Melanin Kapital? Green Economy Financing Explained * 00:24:07 Carbon Credits as Collateral: Turning Environmental Impact Into Capital * 00:27:42 The Narrative Problem: Why Perception Blocks African Investment * 00:28:35 Philosophy Meets Finance: Ubuntu, Sankofa, and Building With Soul * 00:29:41 The Real Risk Assessment: Comparing African SMEs to Silicon Valley Failures * 00:33:53 Marketing Africa's Reality: From Potential to Present Tense * 00:34:22 The Ebola Question: Confronting Investor Ignorance and Media Damage * 00:36:38 Speaking the Language of Capital: Returns, Risk, and Unit Economics * 00:38:59 Building the Value Chain: From SMEs to Economic Transformation * 00:41:32 A Message to Young African Women in the Diaspora * 00:42:17 The Choice Between Migration and Expatriation * 00:44:31 What I Wish I'd Known: There is No Summit, Only the Journey * 00:46:22* Closing Thoughts: The Story Problem and What Gets Built
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Mbanangwa Kwilasya is a compliance expert, data protection specialist, and founder of MK Legal Consultancy. She played a pivotal role in drafting Malawi's Data Protection Act, which came into force in 2024. Her work spans financial services, fintech, anti-money laundering regulations, and AI governance. As a consultant with the African Union Development Agency, she focuses on ethical AI development, intellectual property law, and building African-centric frameworks for data protection that account for the continent's diverse cultures, economies, and infrastructures.
In this episode, Mbanangwa shares insights on the legal dimensions of AI adoption in African newsrooms. From her childhood in Malawi shaped by strong women to her unwavering commitment to becoming a lawyer, Mbanangwa shares how she founded MK Legal Consultancy to bridge the gap between law, compliance, and emerging technology. She explains the painstaking process of drafting Malawi's Data Protection Act, including consultations with neighboring countries, the challenge of aligning new legislation with existing laws, and the frustration of watching policy-heavy systems fail at enforcement.
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the legal questions African journalists are not asking about AI. Mbanangwa warns that newsrooms using AI tools without internal policies risk exposing confidential sources, publishing hallucinated information, and reproducing Western biases embedded in training data. She describes how uploading reports to ChatGPT can constitute a data breach, how Grok was used to generate non-consensual nude images of women, and why Nigeria's enforcement actions against Gemini and Meta set a crucial precedent for the continent. She argues that African IP and data protection laws must be updated and unified at a continental level to prevent digital colonization and fragmented regulatory responses.
Mbanangwa also addresses the disproportionate impact of AI on women, from deepfakes and image abuse to biased content moderation. She reflects on the UK's decision to ban social media for children under 16. She closes with a powerful message: protecting data is protecting people. When journalists safeguard the information entrusted to them, they protect their sources, their credibility, and the future of storytelling on the continent.
Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction: AI and African Newsrooms - The Legal Questions We Need to Ask * 00:01:00 Meet Mbanangwa Kwilasya: From Malawi to AI Governance and Data Protection * 00:02:11 Growing Up in Malawi: Early Memories and the Women Who Shaped Her * 00:07:06 Always Wanting to Be a Lawyer: The Path from Childhood Dream to Compliance * 00:10:34 Founding MK Legal Consultancy: Building a Business at the Intersection of Law and Tech * 00:12:56 An African-Centric Approach to Data Protection: Context, Culture, and Infrastructure * 00:14:23 Drafting Malawi's Data Protection Act: Consultation, Adoption, and Implementation * 00:20:34 Legal Questions African Newsrooms Should Be Asking About AI * 00:25:43 Who Owns AI-Generated Content? The Intellectual Property Gap in Africa * 00:29:11 The Fragmentation Problem: Why Africa Needs Continental AI Governance * 00:32:38 Whose Responsibility Is It? Innovation, Finance, and Enforcement in Africa * 00:36:59 Synthesized Data and African Context: Training AI on Our Own Terms * 00:37:41 Data Protection in Daily AI Use: What Happens When You Upload to ChatGPT? * 00:41:36 Responsible AI Use: Data Minimization and Internal Newsroom Policies * 00:43:21 AI's Disproportionate Impact on Women: Surveillance, Abuse, and Bias * 00:44:14 Image Rights and AI Violations: The Grok Case and Policy Responses * 00:48:45 ChatGPT and Sexualized Images: The Ongoing Battle for Digital Safety * 00:50:03 Social Media Bans for Children: A Parent's Perspective on Protection * 00:54:34 Closing the Gap: Unified Legislation and Continental Enforcement * 00:58:01* Final Thoughts: Protecting Data is Protecting People
If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps amplify conversations that strengthen media ecosystems across Africa.
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Learn more about the book Regulating New Media in Africa, edited by Dr Yemisi Akinbobola, Dr Vincent Obia, Dr Suleiman Bah, and Professor Oliver Carter, available from Intellect Books and major academic booksellers.
Her Media Diary is produced by African Women in Media (AWiM), and this episode is sponsored by Luminate
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Eastina Taylor-Tucker is the president of Women in News Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), a seasoned broadcaster and advocate who has worked with BBC Media Action and stands at the center of one of West Africa's most significant press freedom cases in recent years. A 2018 Mandela Washington Fellow,Eastina has spent her career challenging structural inequalities in newsrooms and fighting for the safety and dignity of women journalists across Sierra Leone.
In this episode, Dr Yemisi Akinbobola interviews Eastina to explore her journey to becoming a leading voice for gender justice in media. She shares how she entered journalism at 19, aced an interview despite being told she was too young and too small, and went on to work across Christian radio, mainstream media, community radio mentorship with BBC Media Action, and eventually as station manager of one of Sierra Leone's largest commercial stations.
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the case of Umu Thoronka, a WIMSAL member and journalist who faced wrongful termination from Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation. Eastina walks listeners through the years-long advocacy effort led by WIMSAL, including engagement with the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Human Rights, the Independent Media Commission, and ultimately an ECOWAS court process. She explains how Umu was dismissed via phone call without warning after covering a presidential press conference and posting about being denied the opportunity to ask questions. The backlash Umu faced included death threats, online abuse, and physical intimidation, all for exercising her right to free expression.
Eastina also opens up about her own experience of sexual assault by a colleague, an incident she kept silent about for years due to fear, shame, and the knowledge that speaking out often leads to disbelief and isolation.
Eastina closes with a powerful call to action for policymakers, media owners, and editors. She urges them to stop treating gender-based violence as a misunderstanding or private issue and to recognize it as a serious workplace and human rights crisis. She envisions a media landscape where women are respected as professionals first, where harassment complaints are handled confidentially and independently, and where leadership undergoes mandatory gender sensitivity training. Protecting women journalists, she argues, is not just about protecting women. It is about protecting the credibility and future of journalism itself.
Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction: Building a Career in Sierra Leone's Media Landscape * 00:01:30 Growing Up in Freetown: Early Signs of a Communicator * 00:05:50 From School Plays to Radio: Breaking Into Media at 19 * 00:09:41 Facing Inequality in Mainstream Media: The AYV Experience * 00:10:38 Mentoring Community Journalists: Six Years with BBC Media Action * 00:11:39 On Our Radar and Capital Radio: Leading a Major Media House * 00:17:59 The Umu Thoronka Case: Wrongful Dismissal and Sexual Harassment * 00:20:45 Death Threats, Intimidation, and a Phone Call Dismissal * 00:24:54 Fighting for Justice: From IMC to ECOWAS Court * 00:27:01 The Epidemic of Silence: Sexual Harassment Across Sierra Leone's Newsrooms * 00:29:48 The Kigali Declaration: What It Takes to Operationalize Gender Safety * 00:34:45 Eastina's Story: Sexual Assault and the Price of Speaking Out * 00:42:08 Men Who Believed: Finding Support in Unexpected Places * 00:43:27 Advice to Her Younger Self: Trust Your Voice and Protect Your Mental Health * 00:44:50 What Genuinely Safe Newsrooms Look Like: A Call to Action * 00:47:39* Closing: Protecting Women Journalists is Protecting Press Freedom
If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps amplify conversations that strengthen media ecosystems across Africa.
If Umu Thoronka's story moved you, follow the case by searching her name online. If you are a woman in a newsroom who recognizes these experiences, reach out to organizations like WIMSAL or your local media associations. You are not alone, and you are not wrong for wanting better.
Interested in joining a future episode of Her Media Diary? Email yemisi@africanwomeninmedia.com
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Adanna Adindu is a content strategist, SEO expert, and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) specialist who helps brands transition from invisibility to visibility in the digital space. As a self-described "abnormal Gen Z," she combines classical sensibilities with cutting-edge digital expertise, working remotely from Nigeria for international clients across B2B SaaS, iGaming, medical tourism, fintech, legal, and tax advisory industries. A trained lawyer turned content strategist, she has developed over 120 long-form SEO articles that have increased organic traffic for clients by up to 35 percent.
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the visibility penalty women face in media and business. Adanna shares her experience leading a team of 14 male editors. She recounts the toxic backlash she received as a TV host, where viewers attacked her appearance rather than engaging with her analysis. She also describes the sexual harassment she faced while running an online menswear business during COVID, with male customers requesting hotel deliveries and unsolicited advances. These experiences fueled her determination to build authority on her own terms.
Adanna introduces listeners to Answer Engine Optimization, a field beyond traditional SEO that focuses on making content rank not just on Google, but inside AI overviews, chatbots, and generative engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity. She explains how she planned her friend's wedding by sourcing all vendors through AI, and why brands that ignore AEO risk becoming invisible in a world where users no longer scroll past page one or even past AI-generated summaries. She breaks down the secret to content that ranks and converts: real human stories, structured formatting, and headings framed as problems or questions that signal value to both machines and human readers.
Adanna also tackles the fear that AI will replace human writers. She argues that while AI will take over some jobs, it creates opportunities for humans to transition into editors, proofreaders, and strategists who add the human voice machines cannot replicate.
Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction: Building a Media Career Without the Noise * 00:00:53 Growing Up Igbo: Family, Presence, and the Power of Being Seen * 00:05:58 The Abnormal Gen Z: Why She Doesn't Fit the Mold * 00:10:02 From Law to Content: Connecting the Dots Across Industries * 00:12:50 Leading Men: The Toxic Reality of Being a Female Editor * 00:15:35 The Visibility Penalty: Backlash, Body Shaming, and Standing Firm * 00:17:37 Selling Men's Clothes Online: Sexual Harassment in Business * 00:20:16 AWiM Learning Platform: Courses for African Journalists * 00:21:11 Building Authority from Nigeria: Remote Work and International Clients * 00:27:27 AEO, SEO, and LLMs: Writing for Machines and Humans * 00:31:17 Will AI Take Over Writing? The Human Eye Still Matters * 00:33:31 The Secret to Ranking: Real Stories, Real Trust, Real Results * 00:35:36 From Invisible to In-Demand: Why Brilliant Nigerians Stay Buried * 00:38:05 Balancing Art and Algorithms: Storytelling Meets SEO * 00:41:24 Move With the Trends, Maintain Your Unique Voice * 00:42:25* Parting Words: Start Building Today, the Fast Lane Isn't Sustainable
If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps amplify conversations that strengthen media ecosystems across Africa.
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Her Media Diary is produced by African Women in Media (AWiM), and this episode is sponsored by Luminate
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In this special episode, Dr Yemisi Akinbobola takes listeners behind the scenes of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), held at the United Nations headquarters in New York in March 2025.
Dr Yemisi opens with a striking moment from day one, where WABC TV anchor Sade Baderinwa reminded the delegates that when justice fails, women pay the price. But the most powerful intervention came from Malala Yousafzai, who challenged the world to confront selective justice. She spoke about Afghan women being barred from medical training and how the oppression of women is frequently excused as culture. Malala called it what it was: gender apartheid. In her words, speeches do not protect girls. Law, accountability, and political courage do.
The theme of CSW70 was strengthening legal systems and eliminating discriminatory laws. Yet, as UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous admitted, no country fully meets its obligation to ensure women's full access to justice. For the first time in 70 years, the agreed-upon conclusions were adopted by vote rather than consensus, with the United States raising objections over gender ideology, sexual health rights, and even the word intersectionality. UN Secretary General António Guterres spoke plainly during a town hall, urging everyone to stop using diplomatic language. He said that when we push against patriarchy, patriarchy pushes back.
Throughout the week, Dr Yemisi attended critical side events, including one hosted by South Africa, reflecting on lessons from its G20 presidency and the historic 1956 women's march against apartheid. She also attended the screening of Daughters of Chibok, a documentary about mothers told to wait patiently while their daughters remained missing, a heartbreaking reminder of the 2014 abductions in Nigeria. Another session focused on just transitions in energy and AI, highlighting how women in Nigeria's Niger Delta hold communities together while being shut out of decisions regarding the oil on their land.
A pivotal conversation took place at the BBC Studios event on AI, deepfakes, and digital safety. Statistics show that 90 to 95 per cent of deepfakes are sexualized images targeted at women. Behind those numbers were names: Fatou Baldeh, a Gambian women's rights activist who faced threats of rape and death for campaigning against female genital mutilation, and investigative journalist Abena Zara, whose family history was fabricated by AI-generated misinformation. Both women faced horrendous attacks for daring to speak up. AI is not neutral. It has been weaponized to discredit women truth tellers.
Dr Yemisi closes with five truths from CSW70; listen to the full episode to learn those truths.
Chapters 00:00:00 Defending Gender Progress at CSW70 * 00:01:27 When Justice Fails, Women Pay the Price * 00:03:07 Consensus Broken After 70 Years * 00:04:18 The UN Secretary General's Warning * 00:05:34 South Africa's Legacy and the 1956 Women's March * 00:07:01 A Call to Action for African Media * 00:08:16 Leadership, Purpose, and the Mothers of Chibok * 00:09:05 Women Shut Out of Oil Decisions in Niger Delta * 00:11:20 When AI Becomes a Weapon Against Women * 00:12:24* Five Truths from CSW70
If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps amplify conversations that strengthen media ecosystems across Africa.
Interested in joining a future episode of Her Media Diary? Email: yemisi@africanwomeninmedia.com (mailto:yemisi@africanwomeninmedia.com), and join the ongoing conversation using #HerMediaDiary.
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Zain Verjee is the founder and CEO of the Zain Verjee Group, a communications advisory firm transforming how organizations tell stories in Africa and beyond. As a former CNN anchor and correspondent, she covered major global events and interviewed world leaders. Today, she is also co-founder of The Rundownb Studio, where she helps storytellers and newsroom leaders leverage AI responsibly in modern communications. As an executive fellow at Harvard University's Tech for All Lab, her work centers inclusivity, innovation, and equitable narratives particularly for Africa.
In this episode, Dr. Yemisi Akinbobola sits down with Zain to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping newsroom workflows, the ethical guardrails African media must establish now, and whether AI will democratize storytelling or deepen inequalities. Zain speaks passionately about the critical difference between misinformation and disinformation, emphasizing that every individual must become more responsible in what they share online.
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the data sovereignty crisis facing the continent. Zain warns against digital colonization, where African data is extracted, repackaged, and sold back at premium prices, much like minerals were in the past. She argues that African women have a competitive advantage in this AI driven era because they possess cultural intelligence that no existing AI model has. She challenges women in media to build their own tools, learn prompt engineering and context engineering, and stop waiting for permission from institutions or developers.
Zain closes with a powerful vision of 2036 Africa, where the continent has leveraged AI to solve agricultural and health challenges, where the first billion dollar company built by one person comes from Africa, and where African storytellers control their own narratives through data ownership and technological self sufficiency.
Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction: AI, Misinformation, and the Future of African Journalism * 00:00:40 Meet Zain Verjee: From CNN Anchor to AI-Powered Storytelling Pioneer * 00:02:11 Early Memories and Growing Up in Kenya * 00:03:54 What's Changed and What Remains: Journalism Then and Now * 00:06:29 Understanding Misinformation vs Disinformation: Your Phone is Lying to You * 00:09:07 The First AI War: Content Creation in the Middle East Conflict * 00:12:23 Why Africa Needs Its Own Storytelling Infrastructure * 00:14:32 The Data Set War: Who Controls Africa's Story in AI? * 00:16:40 Forget Wikipedia: Build Your Own * 00:17:55 The Opportunity for African Women in AI: Barriers Have Collapsed * 00:19:37 Cultural Intelligence: Africa's Competitive Advantage * 00:20:15 International Women's Day Message: Don't Wait for Permission * 00:22:43 What African DNA Means in Communication and AI Strategy * 00:26:12 The Rundown Studio: Training Storytellers for the AI Era * 00:29:58 Data Sovereignty and Digital Colonization: Who Owns African Data? * 00:34:19 Essential Skills for Young African Journalists: From Prompt Engineering to Vibe Coding * 00:38:45 From Vibe Coding to Agentic Engineering: The Future of AI Newsrooms * 00:40:19 2036 Vision: Africa's AI-Powered Future * 00:42:30* Closing Reflections: AI as a Power Shift for African Narratives
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Check out the free tool (Signal HQ) built by Zain and The Rundown Studio to aid public awareness and smart information sharing here: https://signal.therundown.studio/)
Her Media Diary is produced by African Women in Media (AWiM), and this episode is sponsored by Luminate
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Binaifer Nowrojee is the president of the Open Society Foundations, the world's largest private funder dedicated to advancing human rights, equity, and justice. She is an international human rights lawyer whose career spans strategic litigation, advocacy, research, and philanthropy across Africa and Asia Pacific. Earlier in her career, she investigated sexual violence during the Rwandan genocide with Human Rights Watch, contributing to the first convictions recognizing rape as a weapon of war. Today, she continues to influence global conversations on rights, accountability, and the redistribution of power.
In this special International Women's Day 2025 episode, Dr. Yemisi Akinbobola sits down with Binaifer to explore the global theme Gift to Gain and what it truly means for African women, institutions, and the future of gender justice on the continent.
A key focus of the episode is intergenerational collaboration. Binaifer speaks passionately about the moral imagination of Gen Z African women and how older feminists must remain humble enough to learn from new organizing strategies while also offering the institutional support and legal infrastructure built over decades. She closes with a vision of African women putting their heads and hands together across sectors, lifting the continent through passion, commitment, and a shared humanity that rejects single stories and celebrates multiplicity.
Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction: Give to Gain and Gender Justice in Africa * 00:00:56 Meet Binaifer Nowrojee: First African Woman President of Open Society * 00:02:24 Growing Up as a Minority: Identity and Early Awareness of Injustice * 00:03:32 From Dictatorship to Democracy: The Pro-Democracy Movement in Kenya * 00:05:17 Books, Writers and Awakening: Shaping a Feminist Consciousness * 00:06:24 College in America: Finding Her Voice Through Anti-Apartheid Activism * 00:07:35 Audre Lorde and Feminist Identity: When I Dare to Be Powerful * 00:08:35 Human Rights Watch and Rwanda: Documenting Sexual Violence as a War Crime * 00:10:54 What Give to Gain Means: Standing With Women on the Front Lines * 00:12:42 Leadership at Open Society: A Different Kind of Philanthropy * 00:14:35 Charlotte Maxeke's Legacy: If You Rise, Bring Someone With You * 00:15:42 Glass Cliffs and Backlash: The Reality for Women in Power * 00:18:31 Beyond Funding: What Meaningful Giving to African Women Really Requires * 00:20:30 Gen Z Leadership and Moral Imagination for a New World * 00:21:49 The Kigali Declaration: Addressing Gender Violence in Media * 00:23:01 From Recipients to Shapers: African Women and Philanthropic Power * 00:24:30 What Governments Must Give: Access, Opportunity and Getting Out of the Way * 00:26:21 The Danger of a Single Story: Why Who Tells the Story Matters * 00:27:37 Intergenerational Collaboration: What Each Generation Brings * 00:30:05 A Vision for African Women: Passion, Commitment and Shared Humanity * 00:31:28 What Philanthropy Must Give Up: Humility and the Power of Listening * 00:32:25* Closing Reflections: Demanding Structural Change, Not Just Celebration
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Charity Nafula is a queer feminist, certified accountant, podcaster, and passionate advocate for digital dignity. As the Executive Director of Queer Prism 256, Charity uses podcasting and art to amplify the everyday lives of marginalized women in Uganda, creating intentional safe spaces for queer women to share their stories without fear of judgment or exposure.
In this episode, Dr Yemisi Akinbobola sits down with Charity to explore her journey from growing up in a religious home in Uganda to discovering her sexuality in secondary school, and eventually joining the LGBTQ community in 2015. Charity opens up about the moment she first saw pride coverage in the news and her deep desire to be part of it, even when she couldn't physically attend. She reflects on how she never saw her identity as something negative, which gave her the courage to step fully into advocacy work that now spans accounting, activism, and storytelling.
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the intersection of technology, AI, and gender-based violence within queer communities. Charity shares harrowing examples of tech-facilitated GBV—from being outed on TikTok alongside other queer activists, to the fear of being blackmailed, doxxed, or having her home vandalized. She describes the anxiety of relocating for safety, and the devastating impact on friends who risked losing their marriages and children due to online exposure. Charity calls out how social media platforms and AI tools are weaponized against marginalized communities, and challenges tech companies to prioritize ethical design, survivor-centered surveys, and proactive safety measures before launching new platforms.
Charity also envisions what a queer feminist AI tool could look like—one rooted in storytelling support, mental health resources, counter-misinformation capabilities, and radical inclusivity. Charity's message is clear: queer people are not defined by their sexuality; they are parents, taxpayers, contributors to the economy, and deserving of dignity, safety, and representation.
Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction: Amplifying Marginalized Voices Through Media * 00:01:14 Growing Up and Discovering Identity in a Religious Home * 00:03:58 Wearing Many Hats: Activism Meets Accounting * 00:05:18 Being Visible as a Queer Woman in Uganda * 00:06:19 Creating Queer Prism 256: A Safe Space for Women * 00:07:44 What a Safe Space Really Means: Trust and Accountability * 00:09:29 Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence: The Daily Reality * 00:13:19 The TikTok Outing: A Personal Story of Fear and Survival * 00:16:57 Source Her: Connecting Journalists with African Female Experts * 00:18:13 AI, Deepfakes, and Digital Surveillance: Weaponizing Technology * 00:18:48 What Tech Companies Must Do: Centering Survivors and Safety * 00:26:37 Algorithmic Erasure and Hate Speech Amplification * 00:27:10 Media's Role: Reporting for Change, Not Just Clicks * 00:31:23 Designing a Queer Feminist AI Tool: Healing and Storytelling * 00:35:12 Final Message: Be Kind, Be Human, Report with Empathy * 00:38:27* Closing Reflections: Designing Differently for Joy and Care
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Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction: The Uncomfortable Questions We Need to Ask * 00:00:14 Who Protects Women in Media? Safety and Consequences * 00:00:20 Representation and Solutions: Who Decides Our Stories? * 00:00:34 Meet Dr. Yemisi Akinbobola: Experience Across Media Systems * 00:00:48 The Visibility Paradox: Labour, Power and Safety * 00:00:55 Centering the Conversation: Voices of Successful African Women * 00:01:08 Inside and Outside: Interrogating Media from Critical Distance * 00:01:21 Why This Matters: Uncomfortable but Necessary Questions * 00:01:29 What You'll Gain: Tools, Orientation and Understanding * 00:01:42* Join the Conversation: Where to Listen and Learn More
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Moky Makura is the Executive Director of Africa No Filter, a donor collaborative working to shift stereotypical narratives about Africa through storytelling, research, and advocacy. With a rich career spanning media, philanthropy, and narrative change, Moky has dedicated decades to challenging the single story told about the continent.
In this episode, Dr. Yemisi Akinbobola sits down with Moky to explore her personal journey from growing up in Lagos to becoming a leading voice in the fight against African stereotypes. Moky traces her awakening back to the 1985 Live Aid concert, a moment that crystallized how Africa was being depicted to the world—not as a diverse continent of 54 countries, but as a monolithic place defined solely by poverty and crisis.
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on artificial intelligence and its implications for African journalism. Moky introduces the Africa Bias Buster, an AI tool developed by Africa No Filter that doesn't write stories for journalists, but instead identifies biases in their reporting—flagging missing voices, problematic framing, and stereotypical language. She explains the journey of building this tool, the challenges of training AI with better narratives about Africa, and why existing AI platforms still perpetuate limited, stereotypical views of the continent.
Moky also addresses the changing philanthropic landscape and how Africa No Filter is adapting by seeking African funding and launching Opportunity Africa—a brand campaign positioning the continent through the lens of opportunity, progress, and innovation rather than dependency and crisis. She argues passionately that narrative change is not PR, but a platform on which all development work must stand, because unless Africans believe in their own continent, no intervention will truly succeed. Moky challenges journalists to look back at their body of work and ask: what single story have I been telling about my country?
Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction: AI, African Newsrooms & Narrative Change * 00:01:25 Meet Moky Makura: From Lagos to Global Narrative Change * 00:03:03 The Live Aid Moment: When Stereotypes Took Hold * 00:06:06 The Power of Narrative: How Stories Shape Beliefs and Actions * 00:10:11 Moky's Personal Mission: From Living It to Africa No Filter * 00:12:48 African Newsrooms as Part of the Problem * 00:16:02 AI Readiness in African Newsrooms: Challenges and Opportunities * 00:17:56 The Africa Bias Buster: Building an AI Tool for Better Journalism * 00:19:18 Training Journalists: The Story Telling Skills Gap * 00:23:41 Building the Bias Buster: The Technical Journey * 00:29:57 Whose Perspective? Defining Bias from an African Lens * 00:33:35 The Funding Landscape: Philanthropy, Politics & African Media * 00:35:49 Opportunity Africa: Branding the Continent for Young People * 00:38:11* Closing Reflections: The Journey Continues
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Recorded live at the African Women in Media 2025 Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this special episode explores the critical theme of investing in local media and journalism, with a particular focus on the MacArthur Foundation's On Nigeria Programme.
Dr. Yemisi Akinbobola is joined by three remarkable women whose work spans policy, community accountability, and local journalism: Fatima Mohammed Ahmed, Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists in Gombe State; Dr. Adaobi Obiabumuo, Programme Manager and founding member of the Progressive Impact Organisation for Community Development (PRIMORG); and Oluwadara Ajala, Programme Manager of Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF) for West and East Africa.
The conversation delves into why local journalism matters, particularly in conflict-affected regions where women journalists work with extraordinary courage despite facing cultural barriers, safety risks, and limited resources. Fatima speaks powerfully about the need for trust-building between journalists and communities recovering from trauma, while Adaobi emphasizes how local journalism holds duty bearers accountable and gives voice to marginalized communities.
One of the key discussions revolves around sustainability beyond donor funding. The panel explores alternative revenue models for media organizations, with Dara challenging the notion that audiences won't pay for quality journalism. She argues that media organizations need to move beyond advertising dependency and embrace audience revenue, citing examples like Daily Maverick's successful membership model.
The episode also addresses the role of philanthropy in strengthening local journalism without compromising editorial independence, the importance of community engagement strategies, and how investigative journalism has led to tangible policy changes and government accountability in Nigeria.
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Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction: Live from African Women in Media 2025 * 00:00:43 Meet the Panel: Three Voices from Nigeria's Media Ecosystem * 00:02:00 Why Local Journalism Matters: Personal Perspectives * 00:06:07 The Role of Philanthropy in Strengthening Local Media * 00:07:39 Real Change on the Ground: Impact Stories * 00:10:29 Journalism in Conflict Zones: The Borno State Experience * 00:13:42 Critical Skills and Resources for Local Journalists * 00:19:58 The Kigali Declaration: Addressing Gender Violence in Media * 00:21:11 Tools and Training That Make a Difference * 00:23:08 Measuring Impact: Does Media Support Actually Work? * 00:25:07 MacArthur Foundation's Impact in Northern Nigeria * 00:28:42 Challenges Despite Support: Sustainability and Government Restrictions * 00:30:30 Media Revenue Models: Beyond Advertising * 00:41:27 Collaboration Without Compromising Independence * 00:45:04 Radio vs Social Media for Accountability Campaigns * 00:46:50 Advice for Young Journalists Driving Accountability * 00:48:20 What Donors Underestimate in Northern Nigeria * 00:49:30 Future Opportunities: Community-Centered Journalism * 00:50:41 What Gives Us Hope: Closing Reflections * 00:52:27* Closing Remarks: Investing in Nation-Building
Her Media Diary is a product of African Women in Media (AWiM), and this episode is sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation.
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Neema Iyer is the founder of Pollicy, an innovative feminist civic technology collective in Kampala that combines data, design, and digital rights. Under her leadership, Pollicy has led 100+ projects, trained 5,000+ individuals in data skills, and created playful civic tools like “Digital Safe‑tea” and “Choose Your Own Fake News”. In 2021, she was appointed to Facebook/Meta’s Global Women’s Safety Advisory Board.
One of the key discussions in this episode with Neema revolves around the necessity of centering African women's voices in technology. She emphasizes that digital tools should be designed with the needs of African women in mind, rather than being an afterthought. This perspective is crucial in a world where technology often perpetuates existing inequalities.
The conversation also touches on the importance of play and creativity in learning. Neema argues that traditional educational methods can be restrictive, especially for girls. She believes that incorporating play into learning not only makes it more engaging but also fosters a deeper understanding of complex issues like digital safety and gender-based violence.
This innovative approach is reflected in her work with Policy, where they utilize games and interactive tools to educate communities about digital safety in a way that feels accessible and relatable.
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Farah Fortune is the founder & Managing Director of African Star Communications, a full-service PR agency, focusing on customized strategic public relations campaigns.
Farah, dubbed ‘The Pitbull in Heels’, established her PR agency in 2008 with just R1,000, a laptop, and a phone, and is the brain behind some of the continent’s most iconic brand and celebrity campaigns.
In this episode, Farah talks about starting from scratch, managing public crises, mentoring young women in PR, and vital tips every communications professional should have. She also talks about the benefits of building and maintaining a strong relationship with the media as a PR manager, being authentic and giving genuine, relevant information at all times.
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Fatima Jones is the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem. With a career spanning over 20 years in public relations, marketing, and communications, predominantly in the nonprofit and arts sectors, her specialty lies in positioning cultural institutions in ways that not only increase visibility but also ensure they are culturally relevant, inclusive, and reflective of diverse audiences.
In this episode, Fatima speaks on age-old strategies and principles for effective corporate communication that are still relevant today despite technological advancements.
She cited times when she was asked to be seen and not heard; to just be the ‘black face’ in the room whose opinion is not needed. She also talks about some of the things that keep her going as a black female in the corporate communications sector, regardless of the many barriers that come with it.
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Stephanie Busari is the founder and CEO of SBB Media, an organisation dedicated to ensuring that Africa's stories are authored, owned, and told by those who understand its soul. She is also an Emmy Award-winning journalist and Former Head of Africa digital team at CNN.
In April 2016, she exclusively obtained the “proof of life” video showing that the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls. This footage was crucial in facilitating negotiations that led to the release of over 100 girls.
In this episode, she talks about the ethics of storytelling, the responsibility of media in times of crisis, and what it takes to lead in international journalism as an African woman. Stephanie, among other things, advises African women to learn the act of putting their hands out to do challenging but impactful work.
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Deborah is a PhD Candidate at Universität des Saarlandes (Germany), researching fair machine learning to reduce bias against marginalized groups. Prior to her PhD, she was a Lecturer in Data Science & AI at the Academic City University College, Accra, Ghana. She is also the co‑founder of Women Promoting Science to the Younger Generation (WPSYG), an organisation supporting more girls into STEM and AI.
In this episode, Deborah unpacks how generative AI can deepen gender-based harm, especially for African women. She discusses how machine learning models are shaped by historical human bias, which is then transferred to machine learning models, leading to continued discrimination.
According to her, investing in research that focuses on auditing the systems should not be an afterthought of big tech companies but something they should embed into the system from the start.
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Mwende is the Co-convener of the AI Salon by Webworks, with expertise in AI ethics, data journalism, ethnographic research, and dataset building. She also specialises in critiquing models and systems for bias, and teaching media and institutions how to adapt to AI in a meaningful and responsible manner.
In this episode, she joins us to talk about tech-facilitated GBV, the risks of AI-generated harm, and what it means to reclaim data with care and creativity.
Mwende reminds us that data isn’t neutral; it’s shaped by who gets counted and who gets erased. And as generative AI becomes more powerful, we need storytellers like her, brave enough to collect what’s missing, and wise enough to tell it with care
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Dr. Grace Githaiga is the CEO at KICTANET and a visionary leader with over 20 years of expertise in ICT policy advocacy. She spearheads progressive advocacy for inclusive ICT policies on data protection, cybersecurity, gender, accessibility, and civic digital rights.
In this episode, she joins us to unpack what feminist digital justice really means in the age of AI, and why we must act now to make our digital futures safe and inclusive for all. She encourages women to learn to report cases of Tech-facilitated GBV both to law enforcement agencies and tech platforms. According to her, these platforms would most likely be moved to action when they have so many people reporting cases of abuse as against when it is just a few persons.
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Sandra Aceng is a human rights defender and digital rights advocate from Uganda. She is also the Executive Director of Women of Ugandan Network (WOUGNET), an organization that engages in research, policy advocacy, and capacity-building programs to ensure gender inclusivity in Uganda’s digital landscape.
In this episode, Sandra discusses her personal journey into activism, the digital realities faced by women in Uganda, how AI may be perpetuating gendered harm, and what the path forward looks like for creating safer digital spaces.
As AI advances and our lives become increasingly digitised, we cannot afford to overlook gender in tech conversations. Sandra’s work is a powerful call to action for governments, developers, media platforms, and all of us to centre women’s experiences and safety in every aspect of the digital world.
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In this special episode recorded live at the AWiM24 Conference in Dakar, Senegal, Dr Yemisi had the honour of speaking with four phenomenal women who have spent decades shaping African journalism: Dr. Lilian Okonkwo-Ogabu, Angela Agoawike, Ekong Uduak, and Ireti Bakare-Yusuf.
These are women who have walked through fire, navigating tough newsrooms, evolving technologies, political pressures, and shifting audience expectations. And still, they remain passionate, purposeful, and powerful.
You’ll hear them reflect on the lessons they wish they’d learned earlier, how they stay relevant in a constantly changing media landscape, and what advice they have for young journalists trying to make their mark, especially in challenging environments.
Whether you’re just starting out or a few years in, this is the wisdom you didn’t know you needed.
Share your reflections with us on social media using the hashtag #HerMediaDiary.
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Dr Joyce Kirabo is a lecturer and trainer with over 13 years of experience in mentoring, coaching, teaching and delivering training programs. She holds a PhD in business Administration from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. In a world where stories of resilience and determination often go unheard, the journey of Dr. Joyce stands out as a beacon of hope. Growing up as a refugee in Uganda, Dr. Joyce faced immense challenges that could have easily derailed her dreams. However, her unwavering commitment to education became her lifeline, guiding her through the darkest of times.
Dr. Joyce's early life was marked by the trauma of the Rwandan genocide, a period that left deep scars on her community and family. As she navigated her childhood, she witnessed the struggles of her parents, who worked tirelessly to provide for their family despite their own lack of education. This backdrop instilled in her a profound understanding of the value of education, especially for women who often faced additional societal barriers.
Determined to rise above her circumstances, Dr. Joyce excelled academically, earning multiple diplomas and degrees against all odds.
Today, Dr. Joyce is not only a lecturer and trainer but also a role model for young women aspiring to make their mark in the media industry.
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List of Organisations/Resources to Support Women in Media
- Rise Women in Broadcast
- Journalist’s Toolbox:
- International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)
- African Women in Media (AWiM)
- Public Media Women in Leadership
- International Journalists’ Network (IJNet)
- Women’s Media Center (WMC)
- Media Career Development Network
- The World Journalism Education Council (WJEC)
- AWiM Learning
Rebecca Mutiso is the Manager of Accreditation and Compliance at the Media Council of Kenya.
Rebecca's story begins in Nairobi, where she grew up in a vibrant household with her siblings and cousins. Despite facing poverty, her parents instilled in her the importance of education and self-advocacy. From a young age, Rebecca was known for her outspoken nature. This early foundation shaped her ambitions to either become a lawyer or a journalist—two fields where she believed she could make a difference.
Ultimately, Rebecca chose journalism, a decision that has led her to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and media. With over 17 years of experience in the industry, she has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of technology in storytelling. Rebecca emphasizes the need for female journalists to embrace AI, not only to stay relevant but to utilize it responsibly and ethically.
One of the most poignant points Rebecca raises is the digital gender divide that persists in society. Many women are discouraged from pursuing careers in technology, which often leads to a lack of representation in fields like AI. She works for the Media Council of Kenya, an organisation actively involved in creating guidelines for the responsible use of AI in media organizations, ensuring that women journalists have the skills to navigate this evolving landscape.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media at https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of Organisations/Resources to Support Women in Media
- Rise Women in Broadcast
- Journalist’s Toolbox:
- International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)
- African Women in Media (AWiM)
- Public Media Women in Leadership
- International Journalists’ Network (IJNet)
- Women’s Media Center (WMC)
- Media Career Development Network
- The World Journalism Education Council (WJEC)
- AWiM Learning
Hinda Mohamoud is the Chief Editor of Bilan Media, Somalia's first all-women media team.
Hinda leads a team dedicated to covering social issues often overlooked by traditional media in Somalia, such as climate change, people living with albinism and HIV/AIDS, and period education for young girls.
Hinda's story begins in a conservative environment where women are often sidelined. Growing up, she was passionate about journalism, often listening to the radio and writing about her daily experiences. Hinda's determination led her to Mogadishu, where she eventually joined Bilan Media, an organization that has become a beacon of hope for women in Somali journalism.
Hinda shares the challenges faced by female journalists in Somalia, including societal norms that discourage women's leadership. Yet, she remains optimistic about the future, believing that the existence of Bilan Media shows the community that women can lead and succeed in journalism.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about Her Media Diary at https://hermediadiary.com/
List of Organisations/Resources to Support Women in Media
- Rise Women in Broadcast
- Journalist’s Toolbox:
- International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)
- African Women in Media (AWiM)
- Public Media Women in Leadership
- International Journalists’ Network (IJNet)
- Women’s Media Center (WMC)
- Media Career Development Network
- The World Journalism Education Council (WJEC)
- AWiM Learning
Nolwazi Tusini, an award-winning broadcast journalist, queer feminist, social justice activist and Program Director, Amplify South Africa. Nolwazi shares her experiences with loss, particularly the impact of losing her mother at a young age. This profound loss not only shaped her personal journey but also influenced her career path, pushing her towards journalism as a means to advocate for change.
Nolwazi talks about the challenges currently facing the media industry, particularly in light of technological advancements like AI. She emphasizes the need to keep a close eye on the policy making around AI and for Africa to be serious about the policy making and not allow AI companies to do with the continent what big tech had done.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media at https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of Organisations/Resources to Support Women in Media
· Rise Women in Broadcast
· Journalist’s Toolbox:
· International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)
· African Women in Media (AWiM)
· Public Media Women in Leadership
· International Journalists’ Network (IJNet)
· Women’s Media Center (WMC)
· Media Career Development Network
· The World Journalism Education Council (WJEC)
· AWiM Learning
Ruth Butaumocho is an award-winning Zimbabwean journalist, gender, and development trainer with over 25 years of media experience.
She is also the Managing Editor of The Herald Newspaper in Zimbabwe.
As a journalist, Ruth has dedicated over a decade to gender reporting, using her platform to highlight the issues faced by women in Zimbabwe. Her personal experiences with domestic violence have fueled her passion for advocating for gender equality and empowering women through her writing.
Ruth's insights serve as a reminder of the resilience and determination required to navigate this ever-changing landscape. Her journey is not just about personal success; it's about paving the way for future generations of journalists, especially women, to thrive in an industry that often presents barriers.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media at https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of Organisations/Resources to Support Women in Media
· Rise Women in Broadcast
· Journalist’s Toolbox:
· International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)
· African Women in Media (AWiM)
· Public Media Women in Leadership
· International Journalists’ Network (IJNet)
· Women’s Media Center (WMC)
· Media Career Development Network
· The World Journalism Education Council (WJEC)
· AWiM Learning
Omnia Shawkat & Raghdan Orsud are two remarkable women who have co-founded media organizations (Andariya and Beam Reports) dedicated to serving the Sudanese community. Their journey is not only inspiring but also highlights the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in a male-dominated industry.
As female co-founders, Omnia and Ragdan reflect on the unique challenges they encounter in the media sector. They share their experiences of navigating a male-dominated environment and the importance of networking and supporting other women in the field. Their dedication to empowering future generations of female journalists and media creators is evident in their initiatives aimed at bridging the experience gap.
Omnia and Ragdan's journeys are testaments to resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of truth in the media. Their work not only aims to inform but also to inspire and uplift their community. Their conversation also touches on the broader implications of their work, particularly in the context of Sudan's ongoing political and social struggles.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media at https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of Organisations/Resources to Support Women in Media
· Rise Women in Broadcast
· Journalist’s Toolbox:
· International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)
· African Women in Media (AWiM)
· Public Media Women in Leadership
· International Journalists’ Network (IJNet)
· Women’s Media Center (WMC)
· Media Career Development Network
· The World Journalism Education Council (WJEC)
· AWiM Learning
Amie Joof is a journalist, activist, and women’s rights advocate, with over 35 years of experience.
Madame Joof discusses her passion for journalism, her commitment to gender equality, and the importance of mentorship in empowering the next generation of women leaders. She also shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of advocating for women's rights in the media landscape.
She stresses the need for early intervention in addressing gender issues. She also calls for greater engagement with educators at the preschool level to instill values of equality and respect from a young age. By addressing these issues early on, we can create a more equitable society for future generations.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media at https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of Organisations/Resources to Support Women in Media
· Rise Women in Broadcast
· Journalist’s Toolbox:
· International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)
· African Women in Media (AWiM)
· Public Media Women in Leadership
· International Journalists’ Network (IJNet)
· Women’s Media Center (WMC)
· Media Career Development Network
· The World Journalism Education Council (WJEC)
· AWiM Learning
Gloria Edukere is a talented writer, advocacy specialist and corporate communications expert from Nigeria. She found her passion for writing at a young age, often retreating under the dining table to craft her stories. This early love for writing laid the foundation for her successful career in corporate communication.
Gloria discusses her career path, sharing how she transitioned from writing poetry to becoming a sought-after content writer and communications specialist. She emphasises the importance of networking and seizing opportunities as they arise.
In addition to discussing her personal journey, She talks about the role of AI in modern communication. She views AI as a valuable tool that enhances productivity and efficiency but stresses the importance of maintaining the human touch in all work.
This episode is a must-listen for aspiring writers, communications professionals, and anyone interested in gender equality and the future of corporate communication.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media at https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of Organisations/Resources to Support Women in Media
· Rise Women in Broadcast
· Journalist’s Toolbox:
· International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)
· African Women in Media (AWiM)
· Public Media Women in Leadership
· International Journalists’ Network (IJNet)
· Women’s Media Center (WMC)
· Media Career Development Network
· The World Journalism Education Council (WJEC)
AWiM Learning
Melkamsew Selomon is a journalist with over 15 years of experience and also a Board Member of the Ethiopian Media Women Association (EMWA).
Melkam shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Addis Ababa to becoming a prominent journalist and advocate for gender equality in media. She discusses her early life challenges, her pursuit of education, and her transition into journalism.
Melkam's path to journalism was not a straightforward one. Despite excelling academically, she faced personal challenges, including an early pregnancy that temporarily derailed her educational aspirations. However, her determination and the support of her family enabled her to persevere, eventually leading her to the University of Addis Ababa, where she got her bachelor’s degree in foreign language literature and Master’s degree in communication and journalism.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media at https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of Organisations/Resources to Support Women in Media
· Rise Women in Broadcast
· Journalist’s Toolbox:
· International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)
· African Women in Media (AWiM)
· SourceHer
· Public Media Women in Leadership
· International Journalists’ Network (IJNet)
· Kigali Declaration on the Elimination of Gender Violence
· Women’s Media Center (WMC)
· Media Career Development Network
· The World Journalism Education Council (WJEC)
· AWiM Learning
Mwape Kumwenda is an accomplished journalist and co-founder of Crown TV, Zambia with over 1o years of experience.Sheshares her experience growing up in Kabwe, Zambia where she witnessed firsthand the vulnerabilities faced by women and girls in her community. This early exposure to gender-based violence fueled her passion for justice, initially leading her to aspire to become a lawyer. However, circumstances led her to journalism, where she found a powerful platform to amplify the voices of the voiceless.
Mwape’s story speaks to the need for women in media to rise to the top of their careers to ensure adequate representation and ultimately reduce gender-based violence in and through the media.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media at https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of Organisations/Resources to Support Women in Media
· Rise Women in Broadcast
· Journalist’s Toolbox:
· International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)
· African Women in Media (AWiM)
· SourceHer
· Public Media Women in Leadership
· International Journalists’ Network (IJNet)
· Kigali Declaration on the Elimination of Gender Violence
· Women’s Media Center (WMC)
· Media Career Development Network
· The World Journalism Education Council (WJEC)
· AWiM Learning
· Free Press Unlimited
· International Women's Media Foundation
Sarah Mawerere is a senior broadcast journalist at Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC). She shares her experience growing up in the rural Busoga Region of Uganda, where she faced numerous challenges, including the loss of both parents at a young age. Despite these hardships, she pursued her dream of becoming a journalist, inspired by the voices she heard on Radio Uganda as a child.
The Kigali Declaration on the Elimination of Gender Violence in Media in Africa has been a significant influence on her work. Sarah sees it as a call to action, urging media houses to ensure that their content is gender-sensitive and that the voices of both men and women are represented equally.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media at https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of Organisations/Resources to Support Women in Media
· Rise Women in Broadcast
· Journalist’s Toolbox:
· International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)
· African Women in Media (AWiM)
· SourceHer
· Public Media Women in Leadership
· International Journalists’ Network (IJNet)
· Kigali Declaration on the Elimination of Gender Violence
· Women’s Media Center (WMC)
· Media Career Development Network
· The World Journalism Education Council (WJEC)
· AWiM Learning
Regine Akalikumutima is a remarkable teacher turned media owner and gender activist from Rwanda. She shares her personal experiences and involvement in the Kigali Declaration, a pivotal step in combating gender-based violence in media across Africa
Her journey into media was sparked by the challenges she observed as a teacher. Many of her students struggled with issues stemming from their home environments, where gender imbalance and conflict were prevalent. This motivated Regine to launch her first radio program, "Tuliri Rwanda," meaning "Let us educate for Rwanda," which paved the way for her career in journalism.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media at https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of Organisations/Resources to Support Women in Media
· Rise Women in Broadcast
· Journalist’s Toolbox:
· International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)
· African Women in Media (AWiM)
· SourceHer
· Public Media Women in Leadership
· International Journalists’ Network (IJNet)
· Kigali Declaration on the Elimination of Gender Violence
· Women’s Media Center (WMC)
· Media Career Development Network
· The World Journalism Education Council (WJEC)
· AWiM Learning
Pamella Makotsi is a prominent Kenyan journalist and media executive with a career spanning over two decades.
Pamella shares her inspiring journey from a humble upbringing in Kenya to becoming a prominent figure in the journalism world. She discusses the impact of her large family on her confidence. She also talks about how her early experiences sparked her passion for journalism.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media at https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of Organisations/Resources to Support Women in Media
· Rise Women in Broadcast
· Journalist’s Toolbox:
· International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)
· African Women in Media (AWiM)
· Public Media Women in Leadership
· International Journalists’ Network (IJNet)
· Women’s Media Center (WMC)
· Media Career Development Network
· The World Journalism Education Council (WJEC)
· AWiM Learning
Sophia Kudjordji is a Ghanaian Corporate Communications expert with a rich background that spans over two decades.
In this episode, Sophia shares her journey, challenges, and the lessons learned along the way, from her dynamic childhood in Ghana to becoming one of the top ten most influential women who have risen to the top in journalism and public relations.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media at https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of Organisations/Resources to Support Women in Media
· Rise Women in Broadcast
· Journalist’s Toolbox:
· International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)
· African Women in Media (AWiM)
· Public Media Women in Leadership
· International Journalists’ Network (IJNet)
· Women’s Media Center (WMC)
· Media Career Development Network
· The World Journalism Education Council (WJEC)
· AWiM Learning
Asmaa James is a renowned journalist, activist, and philanthropist from Sierra Leone with over 20 years of experience in broadcast journalism, management and advocacy for women's rights
In this episode, Asmaa shares her journey from being a volunteer in a local radio station to rising through the ranks to become a presenter, producer, editor of the day, and station manager and ultimately establishing her own media entity dedicated mostly to covering issues affecting women and girls
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media at https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of Organisations/Resources to Support Women in Media
· Rise Women in Broadcast
· Journalist’s Toolbox:
· International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)
· African Women in Media (AWiM)
· Public Media Women in Leadership
· International Journalists’ network (IJNet)
· Women’s Media Center (WMC)
· Media Career Development Network
· The World Journalism Education Council (WJEC)
· AWiM Learning
Introducing Her Media Diary, a podcast where Dr Yemisi Akinbobola speaks to some of the most influential women leaders in media. From personal experiences of workplace dynamics to burning global issues like climate change, food security, and peacebuilding. Her Media Diary tackles these topics and more. Bringing you first-person accounts and solutions from across the world. Her Media Diary podcast is a product of African Women in Media (AWiM). Find out more about AWiM https://africanwomeninmedia.com/
Rosebell Kagumire is a trained journalist, rights advocate, digital strategist, public speaker and award-winning blogger, with expertise in human rights, gender, peace and conflict issues.
In this episode, Rosebell recounts the challenges and dangers she faced as a young female journalist reporting from the front lines in South Sudan. These experiences exposed her to the harsh realities of war and the unique struggles faced by women in conflict situations and ignited her passion for advocating for women's rights and African feminism.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media at https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of Organisations/Resources to Support Journalists
Holistic Resilience: Psychological care for journalists
Peace and Conflict Reporting Training
Journalists's Toolbox
StrongMinds
Shamiri institute
National Institute of Mental Health
Active minds
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Peace Hillary is an accomplished Rwandan journalist with over 20 years of experience in the media profession. She currently serves as the Managing Director of Family Magazine, which focuses on gender issues, family promotion, women’s empowerment, combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and family conflicts.
Peace shares her journey from surviving the Rwandan genocide, to becoming a prominent voice for gender equality and women's empowerment. She discusses lobbying for a gender desk at the Rwandese Ministry of Defense, founding Family Magazine, her efforts in combating gender-based violence, and her vision for a media landscape that includes and uplifts marginalized voices.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media at https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of Resources to Support Women in Media
· Rise Women in Broadcast
· Journalist’s Toolbox:
· International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)
· African Women in Media (AWiM)
· Public Media Women in Leadership
· International Journalists’ Network (IJNet)
· Women’s Media Center (WMC)
· Media Career Development Network
· The World Journalism Education Council (WJEC)
Phathiswa Magopeni is a South African-born media personality, and former Head of News and Current Affairs at the South African Broadcasting Corporation. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the SABC.
Phathiswa recounts her journey from her early life in rural South Africa, through her university years, and into her impactful career at SABC. She opens up about the struggles she faced, the lessons she learned, and the importance of trusting one's intuition.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media at https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of Resources to Support Women in Media
· Rise Women in Broadcast
· Journalist’s Toolbox:
· International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)
· African Women in Media (AWiM)
· Public Media Women in Leadership
· International Journalists’ network (IJNet)
· Women’s Media Center (WMC)
· Media Career Development Network
· The World Journalism Education Council (WJEC)
Her Media Diary Episode 24: "Honing the Craft" with Ms Eugenia Abu
Eugenia Abu is a distinguished broadcaster, author, media consultant, and one of Nigeria’s finest broadcasters and compères renowned for anchoring the 9:00 pm news on the Nigerian Television Authority for seventeen years.
Eugenia’s advice to aspiring broadcasters is clear: focus on the craft, be patient, and always be prepared. These principles have guided her own career and will continue to inspire the next generation of media professionals.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media at https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of Resources to Support Women in Media
· Rise Women in Broadcast
· Journalist’s Toolbox:
· International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)
· African Women in Media (AWiM)
· Public Media Women in Leadership
· International Journalists’ network (IJNet)
· Women’s Media Center (WMC)
· Media Career Development Network
The World Journalism Education Council (WJEC)
Kim Fox is a professor of practice in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (JRMC) at The American University in Cairo (AUC) Egypt. She primarily teaches Audio Production and other journalism courses, and her research interests include Podcasting, Audio, Radio, Media Representation, Teaching with Technology, and Social Media.
Her story speaks to media professionals who have either transitioned or are planning to transition into academia just to transfer the knowledge they’ve gathered over the years.
She suggests the need for female pedagogy around teaching what is obtainable in the industry to give students up-to-date knowledge of the contemporary media.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media at https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of Organisations/Resources to Support Gender Researchers/ Women in Academia
§ Gender Identity Research and Education Society (GIRES)
§ Womankind Worldwide
§ Gender at Work
§ International Center for Research on Women
§ Time’s Up
§ European Institute for Gender Equality
§ Abaad MENA
§ Philanthropy Women
§ UN Women
§ Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE)
University Policies and Grievance Procedures (Available in different tertiary institutions).
Dr Sarah Macharia is a gender equality champion, women’s rights advocate, and the global coordinator of the Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP), which is the world’s longest-running initiative focused on researching and promoting gender equality in media.
This episode unpacks the slow pace of change despite extensive efforts in advocacy and training, and the need to embrace incremental progress. From Dr Macharia's personal journey, rooted in her mother's resilience and advocacy, to her professional insights on the pervasive gender biases in media and technology, this conversation is a testament to the power of resolve and the importance of collective efforts.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform.
Learn about African Women in Media at https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of Organisations/Resources to Support Gender Researchers/Scholars
§ Gender Identity Research and Education Society (GIRES)
§ Womankind Worldwide
§ Gender at Work
§ International Center for Research on Women
§ Time’s Up
§ European Institute for Gender Equality
§ Abaad MENA
§ Philanthropy Women
§ UN Women
§ Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE)
University Policies and Grievance Procedures (Available in different tertiary institutions).
Professor Nancy Booker is an Associate Professor and the Dean at the Graduate School of Media and Communications, The Aga Khan University, Kenya.
Her story speaks to women and media scholars who understand the need to show up regardless of how inconvenient it might be, just to ensure that they are seen and heard by people who might just need their presence as an assurance that it is actually possible for women.
She suggests the concept of culturally relevant mentorship as one of the things that need to be done to help women occupy leadership positions in academia and other areas or levels of life.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of Organisations/Resources to Support Gender Researchers/Scholars
Gender Identity Research and Education Society (GIRES)
Womankind Worldwide
Gender at Work
International Center for Research on Women
Time’s Up
European Institute for Gender Equality
Abaad MENA
Philanthropy Women
UN Women
Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE)
University Policies and Grievance Procedures (Available in various tertiary institutions)
Prof Lilian Atanga is an accomplished scholar and researcher in Gender and Discourse Studies. Her research interests lie at the intersection of language, gender, politics, and the media in African contexts.
Prof Atanga’s story speaks to all media scholars and educators who have made their marks in the industry and to prospectives who wish to make a positive impact on their communities through gender research. She strongly advocates the need for media educators to teach gender using the expository approach rather than the confrontational approach.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of Organisations/Resources to Support Gender Researchers/Scholars
Gender Identity Research and Education Society (GIRES)
Womankind Worldwide
Gender at Work
International Center for Research on Women
Time’s Up
European Institute for Gender Equality
Abaad MENA
Philanthropy Women
UN Women
Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE)
University Policies and Grievance Procedures (Available in most tertiary institutions)
Comfort Mussa is a prolific, multi-award-winning Cameroonian journalist with over 15 years of experience covering underreported stories, with a special focus on issues affecting women and girls.
Comfort's story speaks to all women out there who experience any form of chastisement for speaking up for themselves and refusing to conform to social constructs. She strongly advocates the need for female journalists to find their tribes and belong to groups that would push them to do better.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of Organisations/Resources to Support Journalists
Holistic Resilience: Psychological care for journalists
Peace and Conflict Reporting Training
Journalists’s Toolbox
Strongminds
Shamiri institute
National Institute of Mental Health
Active minds
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Annonciata Byukusenge is a multimedia journalist with 12 years of experience. She holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Communication from the University of Rwanda and a certificate in Media Management from Women in News. She has worked with a number of media houses and NGOs including rwandanews24 and theforefrontmagazine.
In this episode, Annonciata talks about her passion for environmental reporting and how she nurtured the desire to advocate for the environment through the media following the Rwandan genocide.
Annonciata identifies with women, Mother Earth and wildlife who are not just vulnerable but are not able to speak up for themselves especially when violated.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of organisations/ Resources for Environmental Journalists
AWiM/UNEP Environmental Journalism Campaign
Earth Investigations Programme
The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)
Environmental Defense Fund
United Nations Environment Programme
African Network of Environmental Journalists (ANEJ)
The Green Belt Movement (GBM)
Environmental Reporting for African Journalists: A Handbook
Green Africa Foundation
Annie Zulu is an accomplished freelance journalist with a remarkable career in the media industry spanning over 7 years. She has earned numerous awards for her outstanding contribution to Journalism. Her focus is on investigative stories that are often underreported, particularly those that address issues affecting women, children, climate change, and the environment.
In this episode, Annie shares her unique experiences while navigating the media industry as a female freelance journalist focusing on issues affecting women, children, climate change, and the environment.
Annie’s story speaks directly to freelance female journalists who have had to struggle at different points in their career journey as well as to budding freelance journalists who are on the lookout for opportunities and tips to get to the peak of their careers.
Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of organisations/ Resources for Environmental Journalists
Earth Investigations Programme
The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)
Environmental Defense Fund
United Nations Environment Programme
African Network of Environmental Journalists (ANEJ)
The Green Belt Movement (GBM)
Environmental Reporting for African Journalists: A Handbook
Green Africa Foundation
African Rainforest Conservancy
The Horn of Africa Regional Environment Centre and Network (HoA-REC&N)
Marverine Cole is a multi-award-winning broadcaster and journalist with over 30 years of experience working as a reporter and news anchor for the UK’s leading media stations including the BBC
She has produced several radio documentaries, including Black Girls Don’t Cry which earned her ‘Journalist of the Year’ at the Mind Media Awards in 2019.
In this episode, Marverine shares her journey up the media ladder as a black woman in a white-dominated UK society where a person’s skin colour plays a vital role in what they can achieve.
She also shares how she has been able to deal with the rejections which took a toll on her for so long while maintaining an outward look that everything’s great.
Marverine’s story is that of resilience and of overcoming one’s limitations to undo stereotypes. It speaks to those who are experiencing different forms of discrimination as a result of their race, gender, ethnicity, and sexuality.
List of organisations for support with your mental health
Journalists’s Toolbox _ https://www.journaliststoolbox.org/2023/01/12/mental-health-for-journalists/
Africa Mental Health Research and Training Foundation _ https://africamentalhealthresearchandtrainingfoundation.org/
Mental Health Foundation_ Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Oasis Africa _ https://oasisafrica.co.ke/
Mind _ www.mind.org.uk
Strongminds _ https://strongminds.org/
Shamiri Institute _ https://www.shamiri.institute/
National Institute of Mental Health _ http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
Befrienders Kenya _ http://www.befrienderskenya.org/
Active Minds _ https://www.activeminds.org/
National Alliance on Mental Illness _ https://nami.org/Home
Rethink Mental Illness _ https://www.rethink.org/
Kamili Organization _ https://www.kamilimentalhealth.org/
Verah Okeyo is an award-winning journalist, communications manager, and media trainer with over ten years of experience covering global health with a focus on maternal and child health, infectious diseases, and underrepresented communities.
In this episode, Verah shares her journey from her childhood to the newsroom while battling with clinical depression. She shares the strategies she developed to manage her mental health and how her lived experiences have helped shape a set of values that guides how she reports the stories of others.
Verah’s story embodies strength, survival, and courage. She calls on journalists and media practitioners to first know when it’s time to check out and, secondly, to show empathy when writing stories of victims and survivors, even if they fall outside the box of our notions of who a perfect victim should be.
List of organisations for support with your mental health
Journalists’s Toolbox _ https://www.journaliststoolbox.org/2023/01/12/mental-health-for-journalists/
Africa mental health research and training foundation _ https://africamentalhealthresearchandtrainingfoundation.org/
Mental Health Foundation_ Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Oasis Africa _ https://oasisafrica.co.ke/
Mind _ www.mind.org.uk
Strongminds _ https://strongminds.org/
Shamiri institute _ https://www.shamiri.institute/
National Institute of Mental Health _ http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
Befrienders Kenya _ http://www.befrienderskenya.org/
Active minds _ https://www.activeminds.org/
National Alliance on Mental Illness _ https://nami.org/Home
Rethink Mental Illness _ https://www.rethink.org/
Kamili Organization _ https://www.kamilimentalhealth.org/
Adelle Onyango is a Kenyan media personality, podcaster and founder of the Adelle Onyango Initiative, an organisation that empowers youth and provides psycho-social support to African women survivors of rape. Through her podcast, Legally Clueless, she captures the raw human stories of everyday Africans.
In this episode, Adelle shares the stories behind the many brave steps she has taken, from her career to her activism and use of media to tackle gender-based violence. Adelle's story embodies resilience and what happens when you confront your fears.
If you are contemplating that next big step, if you want to empower others through media and storytelling, you'll want to listen to this episode.
Subscribe be to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
Learn about African Women in Media https://africanwomeninmedia.com
List of organisations that support survivors
Masimanyane Women’s Rights International: https://www.masimanyane.org/
Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC):https://gvrc.or.ke/
The Gender-based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC): https://gbv.org.za/about-us/
FORWARDUK: https://www.forwarduk.org.uk/i-need-help/
Woman’s Aid: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/
Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA): https://welaonline.org/
MUSASA: https://www.musasa.co.zw/
Soyem Osakwe is a specialist in Global communications, campaigns and advocacy. In this episode, Soyem speaks passionately about her work using effective communications strategies to raise awareness and advocate against gender-based violence. If you are a journalist or content creator, if you work for an NGO or simply want to lend your voice to real change, then you'd want to listen to this episode as Soyem shares essential tips on how she has successfully worked with ambassadors, celebrities and influencers in fighting for justice for survivors and victims of gender-based violence.
Soyem's episode will be released on 14 November 2022. Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
#HerMediaDiary
List of organisations that support survivors
Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA): https://welaonline.org/
MUSASA: https://www.musasa.co.zw/
Masimanyane Women’s Rights International: https://www.masimanyane.org/
Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC): https://gvrc.or.ke/
The Gender-based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC): https://gbv.org.za/about-us/
FORWARDUK: https://www.forwarduk.org.uk/i-need-help/
Woman’s Aid: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/
In this episode Yemisi Akinbobola Interviews @rachel_ombaka media editor, trainer and public speaker shares her experiences of sexual harassment in the newsroom and speaks passionately about her activism against this. Her interview is honest and personal, as she shares how childhood memories of gender-based violence impacted her own relationship with her daughter and how these experiences have shaped her championing and training others to rise up against sexual harassment in Kenyan newsrooms. For her work, some called her a "bad girl", a term meant to ridicule her and women like her who dare to speak up. "Let's all be bad girls" is her call to us to not allow these voices of oppression to triumph over the much-needed change and enabling environment in media industries.
You won't want to miss her inspirational story. Rachel's episode will be released on 7 November 2022. Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary
#herMD #Sheroes
Introducing Her Media Diary, a podcast where Dr Yemisi Akinbobola speaks to some of the most influential women leaders in media. From intimate experiences of workplace dynamics to burning global issues like climate change, food security, and peacebuilding. Her Media Diary tackles these topics and more. Bringing you first-person accounts and solutions from across the world.
Her Media Diary podcast is a product of African Women in Media (AWiM). Find out more about AWiM https://africanwomeninmedia.com/
In this episode of #HerMediaDiary Kenyan journalist, Julia Majale talks about her journey to becoming the Managing Editor of Tuko Media. Julia discusses how her early life shaped her leadership skills and the enduring influence of her father and grandmother. She challenges journalists to seize opportunities and to take on extra roles that stretch them, put them on the path of growth and open doors to even more opportunities.
We also discuss:
- Being intentional about creating a work environment that is enabling for women journalists
- Challenges of managing staff who are working from home
- The future of digital media, paid content and paywalls
This podcast series looks at labour migration in Africa and focuses on how women experience it on different levels. It highlights how African women experience labour migrations locally, regionally and internationally; featuring expert analysis and tips for journalists who report on labour migration issues.
In this episode we discuss:
- AWiM Co-founder and CEO Dr Yemisi Akinbobola talks about why it is important to support more women in media to get into labour migration reporting
- AWiM's partnership with Wikimedia Foundation to increase the number of African women who write and edit Wikipedia profiles, and to increase the number of notable African women profiled on Wikipedia
Hosted and produced by Andy Mkosi for African Women in Media
Read the labour migration newsletter that looks into the effect of automation on labour migration here
Explore more:
Africa Free Trade Agreement (ACTFA)
Silencing the Guns
Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP)
AWiM's Labour Migration Reporting courses
This podcast series looks at labour migration in Africa and focuses on how women experience it on different levels. It highlights how African women experience labour migrations locally, regionally and internationally; featuring expert analysis and tips for journalists who report on labour migration issues.
In this episode we discuss:
- The experiences of first- and second-generation African migrants who started businesses in the US and the UK
- Migration that occurs within countries termed developing countries with Oreva Olakpe, a research fellow
at CERC in Migration based at Ryerson University, Canada - Using Wikipedia to boost the visibility of African women, with Shola Olayin of Wikimedia Nigeria
Hosted and produced by Andy Mkosi for African Women in Media
Read the labour migration newsletter that looks into the effect of the pandemic on migrant workers and offers story ideas for journalists here
This podcast series looks at labour migration in Africa, and focuses on how women experience it on different levels. It highlights how African women experience labour migrations locally, regionally and internationally; featuring expert analysis and tips for journalists who report on labour migration issues.
In this episode we discuss:
- Labour migration reporting trends in Africa with Sumeya Gasa, award-winning multimedia journalist and former AWiM News Editor in Chief
- Terms used in migration with Racha Haffar, an award-winning women's rights activist from Tunisia and founder and president of Not 4 Trade
Hosted and produced by Andy Mkosi for African Women in Media
Read the labour migration newsletter that looks into the effect of the pandemic on migrant workers and offers story ideas for journalists here
This podcast series looks at labour migration in Africa, and focuses on how women experience it on different levels.
The series focuses on gendered stories that highlight how African women experience labour migrations locally, regionally and internationally; featuring expert analysis and tips for journalists who report on labour migration issues.
Hosted and Produced by Andy Mkosi for African Women in Media
Her Media Diary Episode 8: Nelisiwe Nkosi
In this episode, South African photographer, Nelisiwe Nkosi talks about how photography helped her work through the trauma of being sexually assaulted on two occasions.
Her photographic series, “Breakeven” expresses the feelings of shame, violation, vulnerability and a yearning to be invisible. “Breakeven” went on to be exhibited at prestigious and even earned her a spot in the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans' list in 2020.
In this episode of Her Media Diary with Josephine Mahachi, A Deutsche Welle Journalist, founder of Click Africa and host of Live Chat with Josey, we talk conquering fears, perseverance, support systems and strength. Growing up in a family where the girl child played second fiddle to the boy child, she defied all odds and self-sponsored herself into Journalism school.
Her determination and the inspiration she got from Oprah Winfrey saw her wanting to change the narrative of how Africa is portrayed by western media. This gave birth to her first TV show Click Africa, which sought to showcase Africa and its great achievements. Through Click Africa, she has hosted African leaders, high profile business executives, as well as outstanding individuals who are making a mark in their different spheres.
Josephine believes perseverance leads to success. She advocates for originality in content and ideas when producing or pitching media products. This would distinguish an individual from others and leads to scaling greater heights.
Besides being a journalist of naught, she is also an investment consultant and businesswoman. She is aiming to shatter that glass ceiling and make a mark as an African media woman of repute. You can follow her on twitter @MahachieJosey
“If we focus less on leaving a good impression and focus more on presenting the best impression of who we are, we stand a chance of then giving people the truest, most authentic picture of ourselves”.
Arit Okpo, is a television presenter, voice over artist, documentary filmmaker, TV producer, and current host of CNN African Voices ...and a food lover. In this episode of Her Media Diary, Arit talks about growing up, her experiences in school and her work.
A curious child who grew up to become a curious adult, her early education nurtured her innate gift for communication, however this was kept on hold for a while when she was moved towards the science field and earned her bachelors in Biochemistry.
Arit is a believer of nurturing and encouraging curiosity in children, and sees opportunities to explore that curiosity as valuable skills a child takes through to maturity.
On presenting Africa to people who do not share the same lived experience as African, it is important for journalists to acknowledge how much we don’t know, and to not let sharing your reality discount the reality of others who had a different upbringing. Leave a good impression and own who you are so audience remember you. For Arit, impression is like window dressing, and if there is no authenticity in that, you might be building an idea that isn’t true. In spaces, recognise the things that makes you special, and highlight on those things, it’s about identifying your best points and asking yourself how best you can present these points and remain your authentic you. This episodes is full of wise gems like these from Arit.
Her advice to journalists is, to always remember you are telling a narrative not your narrative, remember to humanise the context you are sharing, your story should present that there is more than one way to be African and all those ways are valid. You can follow Arit on twitter @thearitokpo
This week on #HerMediaDiary Podcast, I interview South African award-winning journalist, documentary and film director, Diana Neille. Diana discusses business models, taking storytelling for brands to a new level by involving journalism in traditional advertising and building credibility. She challenges journalists to dig deep and find new ways of making the profession sustainable again.
In her quest to find sustainable business models for journalism, she left the safety of her mainstream media job at eNews to start Chronicle, an Editorial Production company in 2015, which saw her co-directing her first feature film documentary which chronicled the Bell Pottinger scandal. Diana attributes her success to her passion, hard work and determination. Follow her on Twitter @DianaNeille
Biography
Diana Neille is an award-winning journalist from Cape Town, South Africa. Born in Johannesburg, she lived in Germany for a short stint before completing her Master of Science degree in journalism and documentary filmmaking at Columbia University in 2011.
Back in South Africa, she worked as the Executive Multimedia Producer at 24-hour eNews Channel Africa where she was instrumental in the setting up of their online division as Executive Multimedia Producer. She left corporate journalism in 2014 and moved to Cape Town where she freelanced for the Daily Maverick, an award-winning news and opinion website.
In 2015, she founded Chronicle, a production agency and subsidiary of the Daily Maverick which focused on storytelling and producing branded content.
In 2019, she co-directed her first feature documentary, Influence, which chronicled the Bell Pottinger scandal. Influence was invited to the Sundance Film Festival where it held its world premiere in January 2020.
‘Your network is your networth’ is an adage that we often hear about. In this episode, Kenyan multiple-award winning journalist and writer Christine Mungai, shares with us how her network paved her way into journalism after studying for a science degree. Her journey is aspiring and intriguing as she chronicles how she goes beyond descriptive journalism into analytic journalism, making her work outstanding. Christine shares how we need to wrap our story ideas in the “wrapping paper of the editor”. With such a fulfilling journey, one is tempted to think Christine has reached the peak of her career, yet she says she is ready to sprint in the media and writing journey.
I was honoured she shared her journey with me, a classic case of thinking and implementing without a box. Follow her on Twitter @chris_mungai
It was a privilege to interview the writer, performer, and advocate Bassey Ikpi for the third episode of #HerMediaDiary podcast. We talk writing, finding yourself and mental health.
Bassey talks about her diagnosis of bipolar and her journey in developing a successful career. This interview was recorded in October 2018, and since then her book ‘I’m Telling the Truth, but I’m Lying’, was published and became a New York Times Bestseller. The book “explores her life--as a Nigerian-American immigrant, a black woman, a slam poet, a mother, a daughter, an artist--through the lens of her mental health and diagnosis of bipolar II and anxiety”.
I hope you enjoy this episode, I found Bassey open, honest and true. Her live journey and strength inspire me. I also share my experience with postnatal depression. Follow Bassey Ikpi on social media @basseyworld
Yemisi
About Bassey Ikpi
Bassey Ikpi embodies the brilliance of multifaceted creative minds. The writer, performer, and advocate is author of the instant New York Times bestselling book, I’m Telling the Truth, but I’m Lying (Harper Perennial 2019). Essence Magazine esteemed this debut collection of essays as “beautiful and compelling,” while Audible defines the writing as both “visceral” and “comforting.” The compilation, which went into a second pressing on the day of its release, has earned the mental health activist stunning reviews from readers and media outlets nationwide.
Whether written or spoken, Bassey is effortlessly clever--an alchemy of intellect, humor, and pathos. Appearing on stages and screens across the world as a public speaker and TV personality, Bassey first gained public acclaim as an internationally recognized poet. In a past life, she was a featured poet on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam and toured with its Tony Award-winning Broadway show. Also an active voice in pop culture commentary and the mental health community, Bassey has been published by The Root, Huffington Post, and Essence, as well as in anthologies including Rookie On Love from acclaimed editor Tavi Gevinson. Bassey has also been commissioned by Nike’s global nonprofit Girls Effect, writing and performing the short film, Invisible Barriers.
As the founder of The Siwe Project, a mental health organization, Bassey also created the global movement #NoShameDay, an initiative that aims to reduce stigma and increase mental health awareness.
Bassey is represented by UTA for film and television
In this episode with Emmy-nominated journalist, Ruona J. Meyer, we discuss investigative journalism, how to pitch yourself and your stories, and making use of the platforms available to you. Her undercover investigation ‘Sweet, Sweet Codeine’ highlighted the plight of young Nigerians addicted to codeine syrup. Less that 24 hours of broadcasting Sweet, Sweet Codeine, the import and manufacture of codeine-based syrup was banned by the Nigerian government. In 2019, Ruona became the first Nigerian journalist to be nominated for an International Emmy Award.
Interviewing Ruona was insightful, fun and real. Her journey is testimony to the consequences of hard-work and dedication. Follow her on Twitter @RGAMeyer
Yemisi
Links mentions
IJNet
Centre for Investigative Journalism
Wole Soyinka Investigative Journalism Centre
Wits Journalism
Google Alerts
BBC Pidgin
About Ruona J. Meyer
Ruona Meyer is an Emmy-nominated, multimedia journalist with 17 years’ experience in print, radio, wire agency, TV and digital outlets across Nigeria, South Africa, and the UK. Ruona is currently a PhD candidate at De Montfort University, Leicester, UK; her research covers the impact of digital technologies on investigative journalism production within African-Diaspora networks.
Ruona’s investigative documentary Sweet Sweet Codeine gave Nigeria and the BBC World Service its first Emmy nomination (2019), and won the ONE World Media Television Documentary Award category as well as The BBC News Award for Investigation of the Year in June 2019. A training consultant, Ruona has designed and delivered courses for postgraduate students and working journalists in the UK, Nigeria and Ghana.
In this episode, we speak about the mental health of journalists and duty of care of editors and senior management in news organisations, to journalists.
Dr Yemisi Akinbobola, is joined by Qaanitah Hunter, Politics Editor at South Africa's News24, and Stephanie Busari, Editor at CNN Africa.
In our third episode of our four-part podcast series, Covid-19 for Journalists, Dr Yemisi Akinbobola is joined by Jane Godia, Capacity Building Manager, Africa, for WAN-IFRA's Women in News; Motunrayo Joel, Africa Checks' Nigeria deputy editor, and Paul Bradshaw, BBC data journalist and Associate Professor at Birmingham City University.
We talk about the differences between fact-checking and verification, how newsrooms are fact-checking world leaders like Donald Trump, and the need for media literacy alongside technological responses to misinformation.
In this second episode of COVID-19 for Journalists, we discuss innovative reporting and exploring emerging best practices.
I am joined by Ferial Haffajee, Daily Maverick, South Africa; Chidi Uguru, Big Cabal Media, Nigeria; Blaise Aboh, Orodata, Nigeria; Culton Scovia from Uganda, and Eunice Kilonzo from Kenya.
We talk: Maps, surveillance, digital tracking, missing narratives, solutions journalism, mobile journalism, curfew and movement, privacy v public health and telling the good news.
This is the first of a four-part podcast series called COVID-19 for Journalists.
In this episode we speak with Queenter Mbori and Maria Salazar-Ferro.
Queenter Mbori is an Editor with The Standard Group and the President Standard Group Women Network.
Maria Salazar Ferro is director of CPJ’s Emergencies Department, overseeing the organization’s assistance and safety work worldwide. She is president of the board of the ACOS (A Culture of Safety) Alliance, a coalition aimed at improving protections for freelancers. She joined CPJ in 2005 and has served as coordinator for the Journalist Assistance Program and the Global Campaign Against Impunity, and as senior research associate for the Americas program.
We speak on a range of topics from journalists' safety to misinformation, surveillance and data tracking.
Links:
Committee to Protect Journalists: https://cpj.org/
Standard Media: https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/
AfricaCheck: https://africacheck.org/
Hodan Nalayeh was the founder of Integration TV, a platform she set up to change the narrative of Somalia. She talks about starting up a digital platform, developing your brand, and effective use of digital.
Hodan was killed in an Al-Shabaab bombing on 12 July 2019.