UMWA engages women politicians and journalists to amplify women’s voices in media

25 November 2024, 8:16 pm

UMWA engages women politicians and journalists to amplify women’s voices in media

By Byamukama Alozious

The Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA) held a Public Accountability and Public Affairs Reporting engagement at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Lira City, focusing on increasing women’s representation in media. Supported by the Danish Embassy under the M-Space project, the session drew participants from the media, women politicians, and key stakeholders from the Lango sub-region. 

Margaret Ssentamu, UMWA’s Executive Director, challenged women leaders to enhance their leadership skills and media engagement. She emphasized that effective representation requires research, articulation of issues, and collaboration with the media. “Leadership is about speaking up. If you don’t articulate the needs of your constituents, how will you represent them?” she asked, encouraging women to bridge the gap between leaders and journalists.

 

Women leaders identified barriers such as gender biases, limited access to the media, and inadequate inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in media coverage. Journalists and women politicians admitted to weak mutual relationships, with many acknowledging they barely know or engage each other whereby they exchanged contacts  

The engagement provided practical guidance on hosting press conferences, understanding media dynamics, and fostering inclusivity. Peace Bridget Apio, one of the women leaders, highlighted the media’s role in information dissemination, mobilization, education, and employment creation. 

UMWA, in collaboration with Uganda Radio Network, the Editors’ Guild, and the African Centre for Media Excellence, is committed to strengthening gender-responsive media to amplify women’s voices and ensure public accountability.