The Media Council of Kenya joined stakeholders at celebrations to mark forty years of the existence of the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK). The occasion also saw AMWIK unveil its new brand and a mentorship programme.
Speakers at the two-day event commended AMWIK for its relentless efforts to promote an informed and gender-responsive society through professional and transformative media in Kenya and Africa.
Chief Administrative Secretary in charge of ICT at the Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs Ms Nadia Ahmed Abdallah lauded AMWIK for its work in the past four decades in promoting women's participation in the media industry.
“I am pleased that AMWIK has remained steadfast in propelling women through training and capacity developing and pushing for more representation by women in the decision-making table”, said the CAS.
She added that lack of solid, practical and effective gender-responsive initiatives have continued to disadvantage women, leading to low performance and, which she said, hampers the place of women in decision-making.
“The launch of AMWIK's new brand, Strategic Plan and Constitution place it at an advantage for the years to come. We congratulate the women who have been a part of building the organisation into what it is and that the future is safe in the hands of the current leadership”, she said.
She underscored the critical role of the media in highlighting issues affecting women and urged the media to make deliberate attempts to portray women positively in media spaces.
The CAS commended the Media Council of Kenya for its deliberate efforts to support the work of women not only in media but also supporting their representation in the media.
“The Council’s support is evident in the work it is doing with AMWIK. I urge like-minded organisations to join hands with the Council in showcasing the remarkable achievements of our women and pushing their agenda”, said CAS Abdallah.
Media Council of Kenya CEO Mr David Omwoyo hailed the Association for its contribution to the changing landscape of the media industry by creating a safety net for women in journalism.
“Over the years, you have stood the test of time to become what you are today. I commend the team led by a generation of great women who saw the importance of forming such an Association to cater for the needs of women in the media industry”, he said.
He encouraged women in media to strengthen their advocacy on issues affecting society, adding that female journalists should utilise their positions to push their agenda as part of addressing issues affecting women and broader media industry needs.
“We will continue supporting AMWIK’s efforts in promoting an informed and resourceful society through professional development and transformation of the media to enhance the status of women in Kenya”, said Mr Omwoyo.
The Media Council of Kenya recently signed a working pact with the Association to support enhanced participation of women in media on issues such as governance, democracy and economy, among others.
AMWIK Executive Director Ms Judie Kaberia commended the Media Council of Kenya for its continued support to the organisation, saying it has transformed many female journalists.
“Women no longer occupy the back seat in the newsroom. They have become a force to reckon with, underpinning the position of women's empowerment in the society. This is a time to celebrate achievements of women in the media and commit to removing barriers holding us back from excelling”, she said.
She urged women in media houses to empower young girls at the grassroot level, especially during this electioneering period.