The Media Parity Project has concluded in Johannesburg with media practitioners from across the SADC region calling for stronger commitment to gender-sensitive reporting in newsrooms.
The French Ambassador to South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi, David Martinon, said the project has helped widen how media understands its role in society.
“The media reflects the realities of society while strengthening quality, sustainability and efforts to end discrimination,” he said.
He also praised Canal France International (CFI) for supporting media capacity building in gender reporting, noting the participation of media houses from Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, Lesotho and Botswana.
Director of Programmes at Gender Links, Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga, said gender-focused journalism remains key to social change.
“Gender reporting is a crucial path that can make the world a better place in advancing gender equality. The stories produced under the project reflect its importance and impact'' ,She said
Umunthu FM joined other SADC media houses at the closing conference in Johannesburg.
During the conference, some journalists shared their testimonies on the impact of the project.
The programme brought together 98 journalists from 22 media houses, each assigned to produce eight stories, with Malawi completing 80 stories within the agreed time-frame.
