By Amanda Chimtengo
Justice Annabel Mtalimanja has urged women in the media to continue amplifying women’s voices in governance beyond the election period and to uphold their integrity when reporting on issues concerning women, as their work shapes the social narrative.
Speaking at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association of Women in Media (AWOME), on Tuesday in Salima, where she was the guest of honour, Justice Mtalimanja emphasized the crucial role that the media plays in influencing societal perceptions.
“Women in the media should maintain consistent efforts to present issues affecting women by following up on and sharing the progress of women in leadership positions,” she said.
She said they should also highlight the experiences of other women who contested in elections and promote their participation in programs that feature women leaders.
“I commend the media for providing adequate coverage of female candidates during the September 16 general elections but I encourage to further improve in the approach by going beyond the election period in supporting women in leadership positions,” she said.
Member of the AWOME Board of Trustees, Jenny Gogodas, complemented Mtalimanja’s remarks, saying the media must create narratives from which aspiring female leaders can draw inspiration.
“We can either make or break our colleagues who are holding positions of power, a good example where other women can draw inspiration from is Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, by providing her this platform to offer motivation and advise to other women I am sure will inspire many women,” she said.
In her remarks, AWOME Chairperson Dorothy Kachitsa acknowledged that although the media gave strong coverage to female candidates during the elections, few women managed to secure positions of power.
She said the AGM was organized to equip female journalists with the necessary skills to effectively contribute to the media sector, amplify women’s voices, and address the challenges faced by women in the profession.
“This meeting also aims to inspire and support women in governance and other leadership roles by strengthening their representation and visibility in the media.” Kachitsa said.
