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WHO WE ARE

Changing women's lives starts with empowering the storyteller.

That means challenging the status quo. Creating a support system for women journalists held back by a media ecosystem that wasn't always built for them. One that thinks differently, centers African realities, and equips them with the tools to report with impact

Because a media landscape that reflects the truth of all its people is a more powerful one. Simple as that. Africa is transforming, and we are ensuring its media does too.

Women's voices need to be heard

OUR STORY

Born from the Newsroom. Built for Change.

The African Centre for Women in Journalism (ACWJ) was founded by Vivian Serwanjja, a journalist with over a decade of experience in African newsrooms. During her career, she witnessed firsthand how critical issues affecting women were consistently marginalized or ignored in editorial decisions. This wasn't just an industry problem; it was a fundamental barrier to addressing the systemic challenges women face across the continent. The need for a dedicated entity became undeniable.

ACWJ was established with the clear purpose of transforming journalism into a more effective tool for gender justice and women's empowerment. Our theory of change is simple but powerful: we empower the storyteller, the female journalist to amplify the story, the woman's experience. We exist to equip female journalists with the skills, resources, and platforms necessary to center women's stories in African media, ensuring these vital narratives reach audiences and decision-makers who can drive change.

OUR VALUES

Our work is guided by a clear set of principles.

These are not just words on a page; they are the foundation of every program we build, every partnership we form, and every story we support. They ensure our commitment to empowering African women journalists remains focused and unwavering.

01

Equality

Championing equal opportunities, representation, and recognition for women in and through the media.

02

Diversity

Embracing and promoting a multitude of voices, perspectives, and experiences from women across Africa.

03

Inclusivity

Actively working to ensure marginalized women's voices are heard authentically and ethically.

04

Afrocentrism

Centering African contexts, narratives, solutions, and perspectives in all our work.

05

Integrity

Upholding the highest ethical standards in journalism, advocacy, and organizational practice.

06

Empowerment

Equipping women journalists and, through them, women in communities, with knowledge, tools, and platforms.

Vivian Serwanjja or ACWJ team

Leadership and Governance

Vivian Serwanjja

Executive Director, ACWJ

Vivian Serwanjja brings over a decade of experience in African newsrooms to her role as Founder and Executive Director of ACWJ. Her passion for amplifying women's voices stems from her firsthand experience of the systemic barriers that prevent critical women's issues from receiving adequate media coverage. Through ACWJ, Vivian is realizing her vision of transforming journalism into a more effective tool for gender justice and women's empowerment across Africa.

Strategic Partnerships

The African Centre for Women in Journalism believes in the power of collaboration. Our mission to amplify women's voices and transform journalism for gender justice is ambitious, and we cannot achieve it alone.

Become a partner
ACWJ partners