Our Stories
How AWJP Shaped My Fight for Gender-Inclusive Storytelling
In today’s rapidly evolving media landscape, integrating gender perspectives isn’t just necessary — it’s transformative. Thanks to the Africa Women Journalism Project (AWJP), I’ve seen firsthand how dedicated mentorship and newsroom support can shift narratives
Teen Pregnancy
Dans les salles de classe du Sénégal, une crise silencieuse se prépare, menaçant d’anéantir l’avenir de milliers de filles. Les grossesses précoces, qui résultent souvent de pratiques culturelles profondément enracinées et d’un manque d’accès à
FGM Advocacy
Fanta a grandi dans une famille où l’excision – une forme de mutilation génitale féminine – était considérée comme une tradition sacrée. “Ma mère et ma grand-mère étaient exciseuses. Il était naturel que j’hérite de ce
HIV — silence of women with HIV
Le sujet des femmes vivant avec le VIH et qui choisissent de ne pas révéler leur séropositivité à leur famille est complexe et influencé par des facteurs sociaux, culturels et psychologiques. Ainsi, la séropositivité devient
Medical abortion in cases of rape and incest
Le Sénégal a ratifié le protocole de Maputo qui autorise l’avortement en cas de viol et d’inceste. L’harmonisation avec la loi locale se heurte à la religion. Pourtant le plaidoyer de la task force qui
Climate change and oil
Niché entre la ville de Joal-Fadiouth au nord, la République de Gambie au sud et l’océan Atlantique à l’ouest, le delta du Saloum est une merveille géographique. Situé au centre-ouest du Sénégal, cet écosystème unique
Women’s access to land in Senegal
Fatimata Sall commence sa journée avant le lever du soleil dans la zone boisée et pastorale de Linguère, où elle s’occupe de son petit troupeau de bovins, pierre angulaire de ses moyens d’existence. Cependant, chaque
The Childless Cry: Breaking the Silence on Infertility in Senegal
Suivez votre magazine sur la lutte contre les violences basées sur le genre. Dans cet article nous explorons la violence conjugale verbale. À travers des témoignage poignants et des analyses d’experts, nous mettons en lumière
Breaking the cycle: Understanding and addressing economic violence
Merci de suivre votre article sur la violence économique conjugale, réalisé par la Laghem FM, en partenariat avec l’African Women Journalism Project et l’International Center for Journalism. Ce magasine explore comment le contrôle financier peut
Incest in Senegal: a silent scourge that destroys lives
Dans un Sénégal profondément ancré dans ses traditions religieuses et morales, l’inceste demeure un sujet tabou, à la croisée du silence, de la peur et de l’indignation. Ce fléau, souvent étouffé sous les principes du
Infertility
Dakar, 8 janv (APS) – L’infertilité féminine représente un enjeu majeur de santé publique au Sénégal soulevant des questions de stigmatisation sociale et d’accès aux soins, selon le rapport 2023 de l’Enquête démographique de santé
RURALITY AND HEALTH: Why women have to travel miles to get treatment
Pour Nafi et des milliers de femmes comme elle, les soins de santé sont à la fois une nécessité et un pari. La poussée du Sénégal vers une couverture sanitaire universelle (CMU) a permis des
Role of women in ecological transition
Au sud du Sénégal, nichées dans le bassin fertile d’Anambé, les femmes de Djimini, un petit village proche de la commune de Vélingara, mènent une révolution agricole. Fondée en 2004 par Lamine Biaye, la ferme
Women journalists
Si tu acceptes d’être ma copine, tu auras une promotion.” Ces mots effrayants de son rédacteur en chef marquent le début d’un cauchemar pour Aïcha (nom faux), une jeune journaliste dont la carrière prometteuse a
Ineffective FGM law
Si tu acceptes d’être ma copine, tu auras une promotion.” Ces mots effrayants de son rédacteur en chef marquent le début d’un cauchemar pour Aïcha (nom faux), une jeune journaliste dont la carrière prometteuse a
Fish scarcity
Au Sénégal le réchauffement des océans à cause des changements climatiques, entraîne une diminution de la ressource halieutique. Les organisations de pêcheurs ont dénoncé à plusieurs occasions, les accords de pêche avec les pays européens
Rising sea levels affect access to toilets
Fatimata Sall commence sa journée avant le lever du soleil dans la zone boisée et pastorale de Linguère, où elle s’occupe de son petit troupeau de bovins, pierre angulaire de ses moyens d’existence. Cependant, chaque
Women surfers
Au Sénégal, la place de la femme est très souvent circonscrite dans le foyer. De ce fait leur pratique de sport est mal vue. Sur les plages dakaroises, de jeunes filles ont réussi à imprimer
Women in agroecology
Kayar, 6 jan (APS) – Des productrices de Mbawane et Keur Abdou Ndoye, deux villages situés dans la commune de Kayar (Thiès), ont abandonné au fil des années l’agriculture conventionnelle au profit de l’agro écologie
Senegal’s ineffective rape law
Dakar, 8 jan (APS) – Quatre ans après la promulgation, en 2020, de la loi sur la criminalisation du viol et de la pédophilie au Sénégal, des activistes de la société civile, notamment les associations
Physical Domestic Violence
Bienvenue dans votre magazine Leeral. Leeral, c’est tous les mercredis de 16h à 17h sur la Laghem FM la 103.2 et sur l’ensemble de ses plateformes digitales, à la présentation Sira SOW et à la
Women Rappers Part 2
Dakar, 12 nov (APS) – Le rap sénégalais, surnommé ‘’rap galsen’’, a commencé à se féminiser à la fin des années 1990, une précocité en dépit de laquelle bon nombre de rappeuses peinent à émerger
Women rappers
Dakar, 6 nov (APS) – Le rap sénégalais dénommé ‘’Rap galsen’’ se conjugue également au féminin depuis la fin des années 90 avec les pionnières telles que Fatim Sy allias ‘’sista Fa’’ et Absa Dème
Trafic sexual/Sex trafficking
Trafic sexuel des femmes à Kédougou : L’ombre derrière l’or Au cœur des étendues aurifères de la région de Kédougou situées au sud-est du Sénégal, une réalité sombre et complexe émerge des éclats de l’or.
Femme migration/migrant women
Les femmes souffrent des conséquences de l’immigration irrégulière. Dans les foyers, elles subissent la perte d’un être cher mort pendant la traversée de l’Atlantique. Pis ces dernières années, elles prennent des embarcations de fortune pour
Parental authority
Selon le code de la famille sénégalais en vigueur, seul un homme peut être reconnu comme chef de famille, ce qui lui permet de contrôler presque tous les aspects de la vie familiale, qu’il s’agisse
Élections locales au Sénégal : La parité reste un objectif lointain
Par Diomma Dramé (journaliste) Dix-huit femmes maires et deux présidentes de conseils départementaux, soit un total de 20 élues. C’est le maigre bilan dressé par l’Observatoire national de la parité (ONP) à la suite des
Living On The Margins
Despite ongoing initiatives to advance the implementation of the national disability law since its enactment in Nigeria, there remains a low level of adherence and execution across all sectors. Consequently, people with disabilities are excluded
Building an Inclusive Media: Overcoming Barriers and Fostering Change
In a world where media plays a crucial role in shaping narratives and perceptions, fostering an inclusive media environment is critical. For journalists, inclusion is more than just a concept but a commitment to creating
Silent Crisis: Exposing Gender-Based Violence Among Internally-Displaced Women And Girls
Having escaped insecurity in many parts of northern Nigeria, displaced women now face a new challenge in camps. Here, they are exposed to sexual violence in the form of sex-for-food and other forms of gender-based
Dar es Salaam Waste Warriors: Turning Waste into Opportunity
Even before the Waste to Zero initiative was launched at the COP28 Climate Change conference in December 2023, an inspiring group of women in Dar es Salaam have been spearheading an approach that is tackling
Yam farmers battle challenges of climate change, insecurity
Increasing the yield of important crops such as yam is crucial to ensure food security and livelihood. However, unpredictable rainfall and higher temperatures have contributed to reduced yam harvests. In this report, JUSTINA ASISHANA highlights the multi-faceted
Unravelling Kenya’s Food Crisis
With 8.9 million Kenyans (17 per cent of the population) living in extreme poverty – below 1.9 USD (Ksh 250) a day –and a hunger level score of 23.5 which is way above the recommended
Are We Doing Enough?
Comprehensive Sexual education in Kenya has been a topic of concern in recent years. The question of whether youth in Kenya are equipped with comprehensive sexual education has been raised by many stakeholders in the
New hope for women rejected for childlessness
Accra, Aug. 5, GNA – In many parts of Ghana where having children is prized as the main reason for a woman’s existence, women are blamed for a couple’s childlessness and thrown out of their
Women’s struggle to own land
In 2022, the World Bank’s gender data highlighted a crucial fact: Nigerian sons and daughters have equal rights to inherit assets from their parents. Moreover, the Nigerian Constitution safeguards citizens’ equal rights under the law,
Empowering women by challenging inheritance traditions
The Nigerian Constitution protects the equal rights of all citizens including the right not to be discriminated against either expressly or through the practical application of any law. Customary law is also recognised and protected
Importance of Psychological Counseling to GBV Survivors
Survivors of GBV experience a range of health, psychological and social challenges. They need care and support to deal with the shame, guilt, fear, depression and other responses to the trauma they have experienced. Stakeholders
The coconut trade: A path to women’s empowerment
Accra, Aug. 13, GNA – In the bustling Agartha Market in Koforidua, a remarkable transformation is observed as women break barriers and reclaim their economic independence through coconut trade.
Unmasking the Silent Saboteur: How Misinformation Affected Kenya’s HPV Vaccine Uptake
The human papillomavirus (HPV) accounts for 99.7% of all cervical cancer cases, and two strains of the virus – HPV 16 and 18 – are among the vaccine-preventable subtypes contributing to over 70% of all
Breaking the chains of the cut: Why Nigeria’s medicalised FGM rates are still high
Nigeria has made strides in the reduction of FGM, but it remains widespread, with a significant percentage performed by healthcare professionals, despite overwhelming medical evidence and legal measures against it. In this report, Emiene Erameh
Sex for Fish – Providing Safe Spaces for Survivors
Did you know that over 600 million people in the world rely on fishing to earn a living? These men and women feed over 3.3 billion people, nearly half the world’s population, every year.
Empowering Voices and Stories: My AWJP Fellowship Journey
Gillian Natume Data speaks louder than words,” they say, and I couldn’t agree moreWhen I received the AWJP Fellowship, I was absolutely thrilled. It marked my first foray into the world of fellowships, and I
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developer and Trainer – Online E-learning Journalism Course About the Project:The Reporting Fellowship for Women Journalists in Francophone Africa aims to address skills gaps by providing training, mentorship, and story grants. Short-term goals include
Podcast SUTURA Ep 1: Mécanismes de protections des survivantes de violences
Podcast SUTURA Ep 1: Mécanismes de protections des survivantes de violences
Maimed By Religion and The Law; Her Untold Story
Maimed By Religion and The Law; Her Untold Story
Dossier sur l’accès des Femmes au foncier dans les communes de Ross Béthio, de Diama et de Ronkh.
Dossier sur l’accès des Femmes au foncier dans les communes de Ross Béthio, de Diama et de Ronkh.
La violence que subissent les filles dans leur famille d’accueil
Laghem FM votre magasine Leeral réalisé par AWJP ET ICFJ et la fondation Ford en Afrique sur la violence basée sur le genre
Boutiques de droit de l’Ajs : Le divorce, catégorie la plus représentée
Dans le Droit sénégalais, seul un juge est habilité à prononcer le divorce entre deux conjoints. Au total, 10 causes sont retenues pour un divorce contentieux. Parmi elles, l’absence déclarée d’un des époux, l’adultère, le
VIOLENCE CONJUGALE : Alimatou ou le souffre-douleur d’un mari cruel
Coups de poings, gifles, humiliations, séquestration, étranglements, brûlures, fractures, dénigrements, ordres contradictoires, éclats de voix, menaces de destruction de biens… Tels sont les types de violences faites aux femmes en Afrique et dans le Monde. Au
Social Responses Of Gender Based Violence-Silent Killer (Reporting And Prosecution Of Perpetrators)
Statistics from the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, show that cases of Gender Based Violence, especially among women and girls continue to go underreported and stigmatized. The few
Reusable pads to combat period poverty
A compendium of original podcasts and radio shows produced and distributed by fast-growing radio station, Agidigbo 88.7 FM.
Economic insecurity, other factors make some Nigerian women endure abusive partners
Nigeria’s National Population Commission estimates women’s lifetime exposure to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) from their partner at 19 per cent for emotional, 14 per cent for physical, and five per cent for sexual IPV. When
Depression after childbirth: A silent killer
Many women experience unexplainable emotional changes after childbirth, one of which is post-partum depression. However, depression after childbirth often worsens because some live in denial while others cannot seek help because of the fear of
Sexual Abuse: Road to Justice Fraught with Hurdles for Women with Disabilities
n Nigeria, justice is hard to come by for women who have reported being sexually abused, but the situation is worse for women with disabilities (WWDs), BLESSING OLADUNJOYE writes
Raising Combats against SGBV through Community Response System Nigeria
According to a UNICEF report from 2016, six out of every ten children in Nigeria suffer some type of violence before the age of 18. The report also says one in every four girls and one in
Women bear the brunt as divorce, separation rise in Abuja community
It was love at first sight in June 2018 when Halima Salisu, 16, met Abdullahi at Gosa market in Mpape, a settlement that expands to the urban fringe of Nigeria’s national capital. It was a
GBV: Seeking Justice for Disinherited Widows
In this report, Funmi Ogundare who highlights the plights of widows, writes that there is a need for more sensitisation that will ensure that those who have been disinherited and face one form of discrimination
INVESTIGATION: Inside Northern Nigeria’s Islamiyya Schools Where Paedophiles Lurk Around
Violence in any school hampers the participation of the girl-child in education and other development programmes. Sexual violence in places considered ‘safe’ for children, such…
How workplace sexual harassment forces many out of their dream jobs
Despite several laws prohibiting sexual harassment in Nigeria, many victims are forced to quit their dream jobs while others suffer depression as a result of unsolicited sexual advances from colleagues. FAITH ADEOYE reports. If you
How Domestic Violence Helped in the Trafficking of Mother of Three
Millions of women and girls are trafficked across the world. According to the international human rights group, Walk Free, three out of four women are trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Most women are
Is the Bible fueling SGBV?
‘Man strangles wife over sex’; ‘Husband butchers wife over denied sex’; ‘Anal or No Sex ….Husband Demands’ and other headlines like these capture the horrendous instances of sexual violence, a form of Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
Abolishing negative cultural practices; A remedy in the fight against gender based violence
“Sexual, racial, gender violence and other forms of discrimination and violence in a culture cannot be eliminated without changing culture.” – Charlotte Bunch Culture is dynamic and as such, as society evolves, so must culture.
Child-Friendly Interviewing and GBV Courts, the Right Step in Protecting Women and Children
“Privacy relates to an individual’s ability to determine for themselves, when, how, and for what purpose their information is handled by others. The most painful thing in life is to walk in town knowing very
When abuse becomes the order of the day: The untold stories of women suffering in marriages
“It took me thirteen good years to gather courage to walk out of a hell of a marriage, I was initially afraid but I realised I was gradually losing my sanity so I had no choice than
The Ordeal of Young Zongo Girls in the hands of Sexual Predators
Community Sexual abuse of young girls in the Zongo community has become rampant with perpetrators going unpunished. In recent times, we hear stories of girls as young as 9 months old being sexually abused by fathers,
WA GBV Reporting Fellowship Pitches
The Africa Women Journalism Project, an initiative supported by the International Centre for Journalists in partnership with the Ford Foundation West Africa, invites applications from women journalists from Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal. The initiative aims
Community Manager
The AWJP is an initiative dedicated to empowering women journalists by providing them with the skills and resources they need to create content that raises awareness of under-reported issues affecting women and makes a business
Project Officer
The AWJP is an initiative dedicated to empowering women journalists by providing them with the skills and resources they need to create content that raises awareness of under-reported issues affecting women and makes a business
Call for Applications: Women Journalists in Senegal
Are you a passionate and dedicated woman journalist in Senegal seeking to elevate your skills, expand your network, and embark on impactful storytelling projects? Look no further! The Africa Women Journalist Project is thrilled to
Unmasking the Silent Saboteur: How Misinformation Affected Kenya’s HPV Vaccine Uptake
The human papillomavirus (HPV) accounts for 99.7% of all cervical cancer cases, and two strains of the virus – HPV 16 and 18 – are among the vaccine-preventable subtypes contributing to over 70% of all
Tragic deaths reveal gaps in Nigeria’s handling of GBV cases
In June 2021, fourteen-year-old Keren-Happuch Akpagher died after allegedly being raped at her boarding school, sparking outrage due to the circumstances and the challenges faced in seeking justice. Keren’s mother, Mrs Vivien Vihimga Akpagher, revealed that
How River Kaduna Denies Girls Access To Higher Education
After several appeals by residents of Kurmin Kaduna in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State for a junior secondary school, respite came when the Kaduna State Government granted the approval that has seen many
Research Assistants
The AWJP is an initiative dedicated to empowering women journalists by providing them with the skills and resources they need to create content that raises awareness of under-reported issues affecting women and makes a business
Head Researcher
The AWJP is an initiative dedicated to empowering women journalists by providing them with the skills and resources they need to create content that raises awareness of under-reported issues affecting women and makes a business
Amplifying Voices: My Gender Storytelling Journey
By Sira Sow The fellowship has been instrumental in my career and personal development journey, instilling in me a wealth of invaluable experiences and fostering a strong sense of self-reliance. Through its immersive program, I’ve
AWJP: A Catalyst for My Career Growth
By Titilope Fadare The African Women Journalism Project on reporting Gender-Based Violence has transformed my career journey. It has played a pivotal role in honing my storytelling skills and shaping my perspective on GBV reporting.
GBV Reporting: A New Perspective
By Emiene Erameh I joined the African Women Journalism Project reporting fellowship to deepen my understanding of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and learn fresh ways to report on these critical issues. Fast forward several months, and
A SPECIAL REPORT by Emiene Erameh
Gender-Based Violence (GBV), according to the UNHCR, can include sexual, physical, mental and economic harm inflicted in public or in private. It also includes threats of violence, coercion and manipulation. Gender-based violence can take many
Booster Vaccines
With news of new emerging Covid-19 variants even as the vaccine roll out programs are ongoing it is expected for people to wonder if there is a need to get booster vaccines as the present
A violent path to motherhood
Womens’ voices are heard rarely in many developing countries like Nigeria. In some communities, women must speak through a man – either their son, nephew or any other male relative— no matter their wealth and
Scarred for Life: The untold stories of GBV survivors
Gender-Based violence is a severely traumatic experience that disproportionately affects women and girls during the last COVID-19 lockdown. The unfortunate aspect of it is that survivors continue to live with the pains inflicted on them
Rape: When silence impedes Justice
Womens’ voices are heard rarely in many developing countries like Nigeria. In some communities, women must speak through a man – either their son, nephew or any other male relative— no matter their wealth and
Putting economic Abuse on the GBV agenda
A SPECIAL REPORT by Emiene Erameh Gender-Based Violence (GBV), according to the UNHCR, can include sexual, physical, mental and economic harm inflicted in public or in private. It also includes threats of violence, coercion and
How Digital Innovation is Bridging the Gap to GBV Response
“Hello! You have called the Orange Support Centre (OSC). How may I help You?’ says Michel Makafui Vogzogbe, a volunteer at the centre. Makafui proceeds to talk with the caller for a few minutes, offering
Creating employment, one garbage bin at a time
Today is the International Day to End Fistula. An estimated 50,000 to 100,000 women are affected each year by obstetric fistula, which is an abnormal opening between a woman’s vaginal system and her urinary tract or
AWJP | Ford Foundation WA GBV | Project Officer
BACKGROUND The AWJP WA GBV Reporting Fellowship is established by ICFJ with the support of the Ford Foundation West African Office to build upon the ongoing Africa Women Journalism Project (AWJP) to connect a team
AWJP + ICFJ | Ford Foundation West Africa | Open Call Details
Applicants may propose single stories, multi-part series, long-form narratives or investigative reports in print, online or broadcast formats. Freelancers, contract and staff journalists are welcome to apply. All program activities will be conducted in English and
Why Eliminating GBV is Key to Ending Obstetric Fistula in Africa
Today is the International Day to End Fistula. An estimated 50,000 to 100,000 women are affected each year by obstetric fistula, which is an abnormal opening between a woman’s vaginal system and her urinary tract or
Unlearning bad habits in six short months!
By Grace Obike With nearly seven years of journalism experience under my belt, I thought I had it all figured out. I’d been writing for the Nation newspaper without facing much criticism from my editors,
GBV Against PWDS: Ordeal Of Hearing Impaired Matilda, A Two Time Rape Victim.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCZ-0NgwwUQ https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=314760560613165
Retrospective: Reporting on Company Accounts with Finance Uncovered
By Soila Kenya, Felista Wangari & Nelly Madegwa Four AWJP network journalists – Soila Kenya, Nelly Madegwa, Sharon Mutia and Wakini Njogu – participated in the Finance Uncovered (FU) Follow the Money financial investigative journalism
Unlocking the Power of Data in Storytelling: My Journey
By Grace ObikeAre you ready to embark on a transformative journey in journalism? Imagine having the ability to weave powerful narratives that are compelling and backed by robust data. That’s the world I’ve discovered through
A Transformative Journey from Novice to Health Reporting Specialist
By Jeniffer Gilla Here is a little glimpse into the incredible journey I’ve been on over the past two years, thanks to my wonderful AWJP family. It all began in July 2020 when I joined
Exploring Self-Care Family Planning: A Journey of Discovery
Justina Asishana As a health journalist, I’ve covered various aspects of family planning over the years. But when I stumbled upon the term ‘self-care family planning,’ it intrigued me. I felt a calling to dive
Good Journalism Takes Time: My AWJP Fellowship Journey
By Soila Kenya When I initially applied for the Africa Women Journalism Project, my goal was simple: I wanted to get back into writing after a brief hiatus. As a part-time freelancer, I saw this