Background
Reproductive justice remains a critical issue affecting women across Africa, with many facing significant barriers in accessing and exercising their Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
Despite the existence of various legal frameworks and advocacy efforts, deep-rooted social stigma, cultural norms, and systemic inequalities persist, leaving many women and girls marginalized. Additionally, the narrative around reproductive health in general and more particularly reproductive justice, is often shaped without adequate representation of the majority victims - the women.
Female journalists play a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of these women, yet they face numerous challenges such as workplace discrimination, limited professional growth opportunities, and societal pressures. These challenges often push senior female journalists out of the newsroom prematurely, leading to a gap in mentorship and experience-sharing with the next generation.
The global gag rule and the withdrawal of USAID funding for SRHR services have significantly impacted access to reproductive health services, particularly for vulnerable women and girls. Despite this, the media's coverage of the issue remains limited, largely due to a lack of informed and strategic reporting on the subject. Many senior journalists and editors - who serve as media gatekeepers - have limited understanding of the global gag rule and its far-reaching consequences. This knowledge gap has contributed to the underreporting of critical SRHR issues, including the stigma surrounding unsafe abortions and the challenges faced by women who resort to unsafe methods due to limited access to safe services.
The absence of a structured platform that unites female journalists across the continent—further limits their collective ability to effectively address SRHR-related issues. This lack of cohesion reduces their capacity to produce impactful media coverage, build resilience, and share experiences that could drive meaningful change. To address this, there is a need for collaborations that bring together senior journalists, editors, and other key stakeholders to ensure that SRHR issues receive the attention they deserve.
A concerted effort is needed to engage senior journalists and editors, and this will enhance their understanding of SRHR and equip them with the tools to influence media narratives. By providing these journalists and editors with the right resources and engagement spaces, they can play an instrumental role in driving public discourse, influencing policy reform, and promoting gender-sensitive reporting on SRHR.
Through the Annual Media Convention, female journalists will be empowered to take on leadership roles in shaping SRHR narratives, advocating for policy changes, and uncovering stories that are crucial for improving access to reproductive justice. The convention will further create a supportive network for female journalists advocating for reproductive justice.
Objectives
The media convention aims to empower female journalists to effectively report on reproductive justice issues, amplify the voices of women and marginalized communities and promote a more nuanced understanding of reproductive health in Africa.
Specific objectives of the convention include:
- To share insights, best practices and provide resources to senior female journalists on reporting reproductive justice issues effectively.
- To create a network and community of support among female journalists working on reproductive justice in Africa.
- To facilitate dialogue and exchange of best practices in covering reproductive justice.
- To develop strategies for overcoming challenges and barriers in reporting on sensitive topics.
Expected Outcomes
It is anticipated that the convention will result in the following:
- Increased knowledge and capacity among female journalists to report on reproductive justice issues.
- Enhanced networking and collaboration among journalists from different African countries.
- Greater visibility and awareness of reproductive justice issues in the media.
- Development of resources and tools for journalists covering reproductive justice.
- Increased empowerment of female journalists to advocate for change.
Target Participants
The convention will primarily target female journalists from various African countries who are working on or interested in reporting on reproductive justice issues. Some male journalists, particularly editors, shall also be brought on board.
Tentative Agenda
- The convention agenda shall include sessions on:
- Understanding the complexities and challenges around reproductive justice in Africa.
- Crafting compelling narratives that amplify women’s voices for reproductive justice.
- Impact of Women incarceration on access to reproductive justice
- Digital storytelling and using social media for advocacy.
Timeframe
The convention aims to convene approximately twenty female journalists hailing from various regions across the African continent. This significant gathering is envisioned as an immersive, two-day residential program, from 24th - 25th July, 2025 - fostering an environment conducive to in-depth engagement and collaboration. The residential format is specifically chosen to encourage concentrated discussions and build stronger connections among the journalists, ultimately impacting their reporting on reproductive justice.
Conclusion
This convention aims to create a powerful platform for female journalists in Africa to come together, learn, share, and collaborate in advancing reproductive justice. By empowering these journalists, ACWJ and AHAKI can significantly contribute to a more informed, equitable, and just society for all women in Africa.