Background
Female reporters are breaking the mould to influence the tenor of climate and environmental coverage in Africa. In the past decade, there has been an increase in climate and environmental stories given the pervasive impact of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution across the spectrum of our socio-economic lives. The 2024 State of the Climate in Africa report unveiled the devastating impacts of climate change and extreme weather patterns on food and water security, health, and displacement. Despite studies illustrating the disproportionate effect of climate change and environmental harms on women, the contribution of women in decision-making, policies and newsrooms continues to be ignored and sidelined.
The growing crop of women journalists is, however, challenging male dominance in agenda-setting in climate and environmental themes, despite facing hostile and uncondusive operational environments. Climate and environmental investigations at times require navigating dangerous or unsafe terrains with limited to no safety and security guarantees or logistical support. When the stories involve powerful political and corporate actors, the risk metrics are heightened. Freelancers have it worse in the absence of institutional scaffolding.
Women have reported facing gender-based discrimination when investigating climate and environmental stories, especially in remote areas, often steeped in negative patriarchal attitudes. The inherent dangers and institutionalised gender biases often see some newsrooms opting to assign these stories to male journalists, rather than confronting the obstacles facing women in the field. Inevitably, these editorial decisions obscure the unique perspectives women journalists bring to their reporting.
While media outlets can certainly do more to elevate the voices of female reporters, supporting and strengthening the role of women journalists in environmental storytelling and action requires broad interventions by various actors. The point of departure is a clear understanding of the experiences of female eco-reporters to inform meaningful discourse and action.
Marking Women’s History Month, IPI hosts a webinar to create a space to celebrate women in the frontlines of climate and environmental reporting, discuss their experiences, and explore concrete interventions by various actors to strengthen and support them.
Objectives:
- Provide a platform for female reporters to discuss their contribution to climate and environmental education, awareness and justice.
- Explore solutions to the unique challenges facing women climate and environmental reporters.
- Facilitate peer-to-peer learning on opportunities to boost knowledge, skills and techniques in climate and environmental reporting.
- Discuss measures to address gender inequalities in climate and environmental reporting decisions in newsrooms.
Moderator: Marystella Simiyu, Africa Senior Legal Officer, IPI
Speakers:
- Diana Kibuuka – Founder and host, Dina’s Planet
- Andiswa Matikinca – Associate, Oxpeckers Investigative Environmental Journalism
- Vivian Chime – Africa energy transition reporter, Climate Home News
- Elodie Toto – Mongabay correspondent, Central Africa