THE CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

4 Edition
th

Nov 2009 - Apr 2010

Zain Kenya Ltd Director of Corporate Communications, Mr Michael Okwiri presents a cheque worth Ksh 200,000 in support of the AMWIK scholarship fund to the associations representatives led by the Executive Director, Ms Jane Thuo (right), Treasurer Ms Rachel Keino (2nd right) and Vice Chairperson Ms Mildred Barasa at the companys office.

More in support of the AMWIK Scholarship Fund

By Lilian Juma and Ellen Paalgard

Dinner

Norwegian Ambassador, Her Excellency Ms Elisabeth Jacobsen speaks during the AMWIK fundraising dinner on 30th October, 2009. 30th October 2009, AMWIK has done it yet again! Intercontinental Hotel And in great style indeed. In 2004, After months of preparation the day had finally come; AMWIK was holding a fundraising when the association launched dinner for the fourth time since inception. This a scholarship fund to help time round, things got only better as many of women journalists pursue higher our supporters braved the effects of the global economic recession that hounded them for the education, not many imagined better part of the year to support a worthy cause! that this little initiative would We realize that many of our supporters had not turn out to be the major success factored the AMWIK scholarship fund as one of their priorities in their corporate responsibility that it is today. With 13 members budget for 2009, yet they still found room to having already benefited from accommodate our needs. And for all those who the fund, AMWIK has not only contributed, big and small, Bravo! The event was attended by 300 guests proved skeptics wrong but also government representatives, representatives of demonstrated that indeed this the public and private sectors, the diplomatic is a worthy investment! To our community, the media, learning institutions and individuals alike. Our guests arrived in style; great delight, numerous partners, many dressed to kill, with an appetite for the including the government, days menu, and with energy to shake a leg! And corporates, civil society, the dance, we did. Our chief guest, the Norwegian Ambassador to Kenya, Ms Elisabeth Jacobsen diplomatic community, the media could not resist the temptation to shake a leg. and individuals have always She had the guests pulsating with excitement been at hand to offer support to with her calculated moves, in synchrony with the bewitching tunes of Kayamba Africa. The other keep this vision alive. On 30th guests were challenged; and so, one by one, they October, 2009 AMWIK organized joined in the dance. Soon, the dance train grew a fundraising dinner that attracted bigger and bigger. Yes, this was all in the spirit of advancing the status of women in Kenya! many supporters. A total of Ksh 2.2 million was raised. To all who Increasing the impact contributed to the kitty, THANK of women in media YOU! Read on The AMWIK scholarship fund is a unique
idea that stemmed from the necessity to assist

members to access higher education for their own benefit and that of the entire community. More importantly, the fund is aimed at increasing the number and impact of women in the media, particularly in decision making. Empowering women by enhancing their skills, knowledge and access to information technology is a way of combating negative portrayal of women internationally and challenging instances of abuse of power in an increasingly important industry, AMWIK Chairperson, Ms. Sylvia Machini said in her opening remarks. Ms Machini challenged the media in Kenya to take deliberate action to include women in their top management. She also informed the guests that Kenya will be one of the African countries reporting on the progress of the Beijing platform for Action. According to article J in the Beijing document on Women and Media, the strategic objective is to increase the participation and access of women to expression and decision making through the media and new technologies of communication.

Longstanding Norwegian cooperation

The Norwegian government has for a number of years supported AMWIKs programmes such as the Gender and Governance Programme (GGP), which aims at increasing the level of participation and influence of women in all governance structures in Kenya. Norway has also, since 2002, had cooperation with AMWIK through the Fredskorpset (FK) exchange programme.

Continued on Page 19

Nov 2009 - Apr 2010

Fundraising Dinner Pictorial

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1. Guest, Ms Elynah Shiveka (Front Right) leads the pack 2. Rachel Keino (Left), Lilian Mugo (C) and Abiyot Asrade 3. Guests listen attentively to speeches 4. Norwegian Ambassador Elizabeth Jacobsen and her Personal Assistant, Siv Moe 5. The KBC Team 6. Guests join the dance led by AMWIK ED Jane Thuo (Left) 7. AMWIK members Tabitha Onyinge (C), Patience Nyange (L), and Yvonne Otieno 8. AMWIK Chairperson Sylvia Machini (L), ED Jane Thuo (C), and Board Member Roseleen Nzioka 9. KTNs Anne Ngugi learns the trick 10. Lets dance: Royal Media Services Affair Manager, Ms Catherine Kasavuli joins Kayamba Man 11. This is how I do it 12. There 13. Well done! Well done! Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) Wendy Court, Hse No. 6 David Osieli Rd., Off Waiyaki Way, Westlands P Box 10327 00100 .o. Nairobi, Kenya. Tel: 254 20 444 1226 Tel/Fax 254 20 444 1227 Office Mobile: 0722/0737 201958 E-mail: info@amwik.org Website: www.amwik.org

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Executive Director: Jane Thuo Editor: Lilian Juma Contributors Annie Arogo Diana Etsabo Ellen Paalgard Irene Mwivano Marceline Nyambala Redemptor Atieno Sabra Ali Trizah Mwanyika Venter Nkatha Designer Gilbert Mbiyu

AMWIK seeks to promote an informed and resourceful society through professional development and transformation of the media to enhance the status of women in Kenya

Nov 2009 - Apr 2010

Programmes
Promoting Awareness of Womens Human Rights Through Community Radio Listening

tarting January 2009, AMWIK implemented the Promoting Awareness of Womens Human Rights Through Community Radio Listening Groups and Media in Kenya programme to raise awareness of womens human rights among six vulnerable and marginalized communities in Kenya. The programme is funded by The United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) and managed locally by UNIFEM.

About Community Radio Listening Groups

The projects objectives are to; Raise awareness on gender and human rights in 6 marginalized districts in Kenya Equip these communities with skills to hold government accountable to ensuring human rights realization Create communities that are able to claim their rights Promote a media that reports from a gender and human rights based approach. AMWIK recruited 30 radio listening groups from the six districts to participate in the programme. The distribution is as follows;

Community radio listening groups is a strategy developed by AMWIK for use in her programmes because of its ability to prompt community based action plans after the awareness creation. AMWIK has since 2004 used the concept to disseminate information on economic, social, cultural and environmental issues. The radio listening groups is a localized media concept that is used to address communities information needs as well as promoting awareness on various issues of concern. While the mass media aims at reaching a wide audience, the community radio listening groups concept aims at addressing issues that are of particular interest to specific communities.

KISUMU West Seme Consortium Kinda Eteko Bandani Women Group Ombaka Unit Persons with Disabilities Girl Child Empowerment Project (GCEP) Kapuonja Legal Aid Group (KAPLAG) MALINDI Shella Women Group Mwangaza Women Group Magungu Women Group Soyo Soyo Women Group FK North South Exchange Mahendo Youth (Watamu) AMWIK has been privileged to be among KWALE the two media women associations in Africa Gazi Women Mangrove Boardwalk taking part in the FK North South journalists (Msambweni) exchange programme. The programme involves Guruta Group (Msambweni) exchange of journalists between the Gimlekollen Tangulia Youth Group (Msambweni) School of Journalism and Communication Clean Heart (Msambweni) (GSJC)/ Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation Igiza Ziwani Group ISIOLO Nagayo Women Self Help Group Chicho Hoko Women Group Kiwanjani Self Help Group Islamia Women Group Anu Pip Gara Mara Women Group WAJIR Albayan Women Self help Group Griftu Bidii Youth Group Mustaqim Women Group Bismillahi Group Sharmake Women Group NAIVASHA Homegrown Kenya Limited Siabukusu Welfare Association Shalom Self Help Group Umoja group member speaks to a gathering Muthiga Youth Group in Naivasha during a visit by AMWIK and Star women Group

Every year, since 2002, five media women associations including AMWIK, Ethiopia Media Womens Association {EMWA}, Tanzania Media Women Association (TAMWA}, Zambia Media Women Association {ZAMWA}, Uganda Media Women Association {UMWA} exchange members for a period of ten months to participate in the South South Journalists Exchange programme supported by Fredskorpset (FK) , Norway. The programme has expanded to Asia, bringing on board the College of Journalism and Mass Communication from Nepal. In 2009, AMWIK hosted Abiyot Asrade from EMWA and Sabra Ali Mohammed from TAMWA while AMWIK members, Irene Mwivano and Triza Mwanyika were hosted by EMWA and TAMWA respectively.

FK South-South Exchange Programme

Ford Foundation Deputy Vice President, Dr David Chiel (Front 3rd Right), flanked by East Africa Representative Dr. Willy Mutunga, Programme Officers Dr. Joyce Nyairo (2nd Left) and Dr. Susan Kaari (Right) join Naivasha Groups in a radio listening session
(NRK) and AMWIK. Uganda Media Women Association (UMWA) is also on the programme. Under this programme AMWIK is currently hosting Ellen Paalgard from Norway while Diana Etsabo is being hosted in Norway.

FK exchange participants Ellen Paalgard (L), Sabra Mohammed (C) and Abiyot Asrade
The exchange programme is funded by Fredskorpset (FK), a Norwegian Government body under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The objective of the programme is to contribute to lasting improvements in economic, social and political conditions in the world. While implementing the governments development assistance, FK promotes international understanding and mutual learning by supporting an exchange of personnel through the framework of international cooperation. The programme enables participants to share experiences and expertise, improve organisational capacity as well as professional performance of the individual participants. The programme also exposes participants to other cultures which they learn and appreciate.

Ford Foundation Team

Nov 2009 - Apr 2010

FK Exchange Programme

Where courtesy rules!

By Trizah Mwanyika, TAMWA Exchange Participant

first saw this e-mail in my inbox, FK Exchange Programme, I stared at it and brushed off the thoughts of opening it up, it being among the mails sent by AMWIK on a daily basis. Two days after that, I opted to open it, but with less interest on the details. All the requirements to qualify for the Exchange programme were well stated. I went through them carefully, and opted to apply, just as a formality. I thought that I will never make it, because first I am based in Mombasa and I rarely attended AMWIK meetings, which are mostly held in Nairobi. A month later, I received an email congratulating me for being among the four short listed candidates and also inviting me to attend an interview in a weeks time. Being a family person, I discussed the issue with my partner, who did not approve of the idea, at that moment. I opted to go for the interview, with or without his approval, and asked for the will of God to be done, in the whole process. The day came, and I went for the interview, where I met three other AMWIK members, who had also been shortlisted for the programme. I was the third to be interviewed that morning by a panel of three, and was asked to choose my preferred host country and why I was interested in the programme. I opted for Tanzania instead of Ethiopia, because I thought, by virtue of me leaving my nine months old baby behind, I should go to a place where I can easily travel back home incase of any complications with the child.

The other reason I chose Tanzania was that I needed to perfect my Kiswahili, for the belief that people in Tanzania speak it better than back home. I also happened to have checked Tanzania Media Women Associations (TAMWA) website, and found it very interesting and innovative, and thought the organization must be vibrant and the best place to work in. Approximately four hours after the interview, I received a call from the Executive Director Jane Thuo, telling me that I successfully made it through the interview, and was selected to represent the organization in Tanzania. After that call, reality dawned. First, I was not sure how to convince my husband about me participating in the programme, how I will leave my daughters behind, and how I will manage to stay in a foreign country for ten months. But despite the questions, I was determined to take up the offer since I knew I would not be the same person after programme. Everyone I talked to about my going to Tanzania told me, the place is not the best for Kenyans, Tanzanians do not like Kenyans at the moment, so, will you really make it? they asked. At one point I got so confused and thought of changing my mind, yet, from the bottom of my heart I knew I would gain vast experience working outside the country. I took the offer and travelled to Tanzania. But funny enough, the first one month to me was hell. I was so silent and reserved, hoping that people around me would not realize that I am not a Tanzanian, but Kenyan. The few times I uttered a word in Kiswahili, it was well calculated and framed, to sound like Tanzanians. Later I decided to come out of my cocoon, and started to mingle with others, perhaps to learn their culture, and way of life. Then one day I went to the shop and asked for bread, NIPE MKATE, the Kenyan style. The shopkeeper gave me a look and asked politely, dada, wewe mkenya? But before I answered his question, I looked around to make sure that no one else was there to hear my answer, I gave a faint answer, Yes. The shopkeeper then told me, When we go to the shop, we have to ask politely, NAOMBA MKATE, and not what you told me. Im sure back home one would have argued why she/he should be subjected to begging for bread, yet they are paying for the service! From that day, I learned to use the word NAOMBA, in all that I traded in, during my stay in Tanzania. I guess my fears were unfounded, because currently I find Tanzanians very accommodative and ready to help, when in need. Back in the office at Tanzania Media Women Associations (TAMWA), I have learnt so much in just six months, thanks to the co-operation in the office.

I am so grateful to AMWIK, for giving me a chance to participate in the one year Fredskorpset Exchange programme, which I believe is a golden opportunity for me to learn so much. I believe all AMWIK members can benefit from so many opportunities out there. I certainly believe I will come back home with vast experience and innovative ideas which can also be used by the members, for their own benefit and that of the Association.

My first impressions of Nairobi

By Ellen Munden Paalgard Journalist and Fredskorpset Exchange participant from Norway

onday evening 5th of October, 2009 I arrived Nairobi. I recognized the smell at once. The smell of Africa. It was not the first time I landed in this city. 22 years ago I lived in Kakamega for two years. Coming to
Nov 2009 - Apr 2010

FK Exchange Programme
Kenya again has given me the strangest memories from that time. Some are surprising, others not so surprising. For instance I remember well the sweet Kenyan tea, which tastes exactly the way I remember it, not to mention ugali which I recently ate for the first time in 22 years. It was the same non-tasty, but practical food I remembered it to be. Things I had forgotten until I experienced it again is, for instance, Big G chewing gum. Suddenly, on my way to buy a charge card for my mobile phone, I saw them in a jar. Of course I bought many, also for my little brother who I am sure will be over delighted for this years Christmas present from Kenya. I also had forgotten mandazi, but after my first bite, I was back in Kakamega, 8 years old. My Swahili teacher taught me to count to ten the other day, that also suddenly sounded very familiar. One time, over 20 years ago, some Kenyan must have taught me to count to ten in Swahili. around holes in the road, between other cars and up on the pavement on the side of the road to get to their goal as quickly as possible. Other times they just stand there. Jam. Full stop, and who knows for how long. One of my first days I experienced the conductor of a matatu going out of the matatu in the jam to get his shoes polished. That explains a lot, I thought to myself.

The system

Nairobi as a grown up

But there is a big difference between then and now. This time I am here as a professional journalist. I am 30 years old, I have traveled around the world, I have been to university and I have grown up to be a woman with an urge to fight for things that are important, like human rights. This time other things than Big G are prone to be more critical. Before I left Norway for Nairobi I heard about a dangerous city. Especially the traffic was described as chaotic, and muggings as common. You are almost sure to be robbed at least once and you shouldnt be out after dark. That said, I also heard about Kenya as a country with warm and welcoming people, a country full of music and dance, and a city with a variety of things to do like trips to Nairobi National Park, great restaurants, concerts and markets. Now that Ive been here for 10 days, I am wondering how I will describe Nairobi to my friends who are visiting on this very different culture. I would probably say something like this: Nairobi is a diverse city. You can go to parts where you see flowering trees and well maintained parks, tall posh UN-buildings and huge supermarkets, and you can go to other parts and see small shops which seem like they barely hang together, hens running around searching for food and colourful fruit for sale lying on blankets. In general, anywhere you go, there will be people, and many of them. Some are hanging around, sitting on the pavement (if there is one), relaxing, watching the lively streets or reading a newspaper. Others are quickly pacing somewhere. I have to have a chapter of its own for matatus. These crazy, jammed, loud and colourful busses, often with discolights inside which probably could cause an epileptic seizure. In high speed the matatus drive

A big difference is also the trust in the system. If the traffic light in Norway is green, you walk. In Nairobi that might kill you. For me, getting around in the city therefore demands full concentration. I follow people who seem to have lived here for some while. Run, wait, look to both sides, and run again. I am also used to a system where we believe that if you call the police, they will come and help you, and when you go to court you will be heard and treated just. Norway is not perfect, but my impression is that most people believe it is this way. My impression so far is that most Kenyans do not believe that will happen in Kenya. Norway is also a society striving towards equality between people. Although there are class differences in Norway too, most Norwegians are socialists in some way, with equality seen upon as an important value. An example is the prime ministers previous car. After a journalist (I think it was a journalist) found out that the prime ministers small and modest car, was paid for by the government, journalists and many people were furious. It all ended with him having to sell it. Of course, like anyone else, the prime minister should pay his car with his own salary! These are some of my first thoughts in Nairobi. The impressions are many, and I guess the coming year is going to be a rich experience and a mixture of new experiences and flashbacks. I am looking forward to them all.

A diverse city

Culture shock in Norway

By Diana Etsabo

Matatus

media, etc. With my belongings packed well in advance in readiness for my trip to Norway, my host country for the exchange programme, I was likeI only need a ticket, show me the plane and off I go to my new home for the next one year! But no one prepared me for what I was to encounter; a new culture in a different continent. Reading it and trying to live it, trust me; two different things! I land in Kristiansand, South of Norway one early afternoon all dressed up in my warmest jumper and coat ever. I go through the check up system and Im wondering how come Im the only one prepared for what awaits outside the exit - SNOW. On the contrary, I get a rude shock outside: What! Just drizzles and the sun? I shout. With my mind all set to step on snow from the word go, this was the last thing I expected to see upon landing in Norway. If you thought thats something, then, please remember its only a tip of the iceberg about my experience in Norway. We drive towards where Im to spend the night, at Pamelas (Administrator at the Gimlekollen School of journalism) house and the first thing I set my eyes on sends me thinking but then, I literally blame it on fatigue. But, no, after the second look, I knew I was wide awake. Houses built of wood and timber? Yes! That is very very strange to me and I know this will take me time to get used to; I mean, why people in Norway invest in timber houses. While Norwegians would proudly show of their timber houses, many Kenyans back home would build those to house their chicken. That aside, after a nights sleep at Pamelas the next day is Sunday and so we go to a missionary church. What wows me is that sermons and hymns are amplified on a projector as the service goes on. But what I found very interesting was that one can listen to translations of the sermon through earphones as sermons are in Norwegian. I then later join Pamela and her family for dinner and again what happens fascinates me; we sing the grace! Yes, around the dinner table while holding hands we sing the grace before we eat! I really

ere I was, so happy and confident that I was well prepared with all the necessary knowledge and understanding - on weather,

AMWIK participant Diana Etsabo (Right) with participant from UMWA, Everlyn Kiwewesi (2nd Left) and friends in Norway

Nov 2009 - Apr 2010

FK Exchange Programme

lack the words to explain how this is so strange to me! Back home, all it took my family is a simple prayer with hands clasped together. But in Norway when more than two people are gathered for dinner or lunch the grace has to be sung. We go into Kristiansand town the following week and as much as the weather in Norway is unpredictable, I see something that would make Kenyans roll down with laughter. Here, many people proudly wear rubber boots in town, and there are different fashions of these! I laughed my heart out the first time I encountered it and had to call my best friend back at home to share this strange fashion or should I say strange wear! In Kenya if you are seen on the streets in rubber boots as part of your fashion then even the birds might be allowed to laugh at you! In Kenya, rubber boots are commonly worn by farmers, especially milk men or in places that are really muddy and far from town. Meal time in Norway is a far cry from the Kenyan delicacy of Nyama choma and ugali. In Norway the bread culture begins in the morning and culminates into the lunch hour. Two to four pieces of bread, mostly brown bread slammed with either brown or yellow cheese and a cup of coffee is supposed to do the trick. And maybe an apple or banana should do the final digestion. And if that is going to knock you out wait until I tell you about their transport system. Norway transport system is so convenient. Sometimes it gets scary because youre the one who should be blamed for lateness. The saying the bus is never late, its you who is in a hurry can work here so efficiently. It took me a while to understand what the big M letters on the streets meant and they have big white posts on every stage translating the time schedules and the route map of every different bus. When I come back to Kenya, dont be surprised if I turn out an IT expert alongside my journalism. With this I give Norway my thumbs up! From the cooking gas, to the vacuum cleaner, to the dish washer and the washing machine- all operated electronically! I had to literally go through a two day lesson on how to operate all these in my apartment. In Kenya washing my clothes and my dishes with just tap water and a scouring powder is so very normal. And mopping the house is an all daily morning affair, if you know what I mean. So far, so good, I am glad I did the trip, and as I try to make this trip of intergrating and adapting to the Norwegian culture I will keep you posted on the other amazing details that I will encounter.

By Irene Mwivano, EMWA Exchange Participant

My taste of Ethiopian Culture

was a bit hesitant when applying for the FK Exchange Programme, wondering how I would survive in a foreign land without family, friends and the culture Im used to. But hold your assumptions lightly; what you really know about Ethiopia isnt just enough. The reception accorded to me by my hosts upon arrival at Bole Airport at 3am on 16th February, 2009 is something worth mentioning. It was very cold and one of EMWA staff picked me up and took me straight to the office where a coffee ceremony awaited. The coffee ceremony is not just a mere celebration in Ethiopia; its traditional ritual meant to honour people. The ceremony is believed to demonstrate unity. The celebration consists of grasses which are laid on the floor, popcorns, and coffee seeds which are burnt to produce a unique aroma which is mixed with the traditional Mukacha and Zanana to make coffee. Prior to my Ethiopian trip, I had this impression that wearing of trousers for a woman is not allowed in the Christian country. My assumption was not only wrong; I also discovered how very pretty, friendly, and hospitable Ethiopian women are. Im a supporter of womens rights having been raised by a single parent and coming to Ethiopia has really made me understand women issues at large. Before, I didnt know much about gender but my attachment at EMWA has

been an eye opener. I have been able to mingle with different kinds of people with whom Ive discussed and exchanged ideas which have expanded my knowledge. EMWA got us (Salama Njani Khamis, the TAMWA participant and I) a house at Addis Gebeya near ENTOTO on the North side of Addis where having a cold bath isnt as easy as Im used to in Kenya. Language/communication still remains one of the major challenges to visitors, especially someone like me who is used to Kiswahili and English, while in Ethiopia one has to learn Amharic. While Kenyans can boast of free access to mobile communication, the same is a rare privilege in Ethiopia where access to simcards is painfully slow. When I first came for the two weeks preparatory course in January 2009, the FK exchange participants were asked to name their biggest fears and almost all were united in mentioning language barrier and culture. However, also during my stay in Ethiopia the biggest problem has been non availability of water and power rationing. At the office we only have power two or three days a week which poses a major challenge especially in accomplishing our planned activities. Another dilemma presents itself when one is seeking to access the foreign exchange bureaus. I remember the first time I wanted to save money and had to go to the Kenyan embassy to seek help and subsequently when I had to wait for someone travelling outside the country to change for me at the Airport. Perhaps one thing that may be surprising is that Ethiopia has almost 80 local languages with the most spoken being Amharic, Tigrinya and the Oromifa. Most impressing is the well organized road network, all tarmacked and wide. In Kenya we are used to Ugali while in Ethiopia Injera is the staple food made from Teff floor. Injera looks like Chapati and usually comes in two types; the white and black Injera. According to Ethiopians the white Injera is the best but very expensive and mostly for the rich while the black Injera is rich in Iron and is perceived to be the food for the middle class. The Injera is normally served with meat or Shiro (grained been powder). Ethiopians believe that eating Shiro enables one to have a smooth face. Statistics indicate that almost 80 percent of Ethiopian women face violence in various forms - early marriages, female genital mutilation and rape. Im impressed by the commitment from EMWA in advocating for womens rights and in ensuring that women voices are heard. One important thing I have learned from Ethiopia is being patient. In Kenya we are used to doing things fast but here they are slow so I have to be in the same pace with them and that needs a lot of patience. I always look forward to Saturdays when I join Kenyans at the Kenyan Embassy for Nyama Choma. All I can say is thanks to AMWIK for giving me this opportunity!
Nov 2009 - Apr 2010

Culture

Exploring cultural journalism in Norway

By Diana Etsabo xcitement, anxiety, expectations were all the few words I could master to describe my feelings as I headed for my first entertainment outing at the world music festival in Oslo, Norway courtesy of the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK)s Jungeltelegrafen P2 cultural programme. Dressed up in warm woolen undies, mittens and a warm jacket, I boarded a train to the festival, enjoying the sight of bare trees along the way, a vivid sign of winter. This years Oslo World Music Festival programme brought together 300 artists from all corners of the world, who performed everything from afro beat to heavy-chanting at Rockefeller, Bl, The Villa, Sentrum Scene, Oslo Concert Hall, Kulturkirken Jakob, Parkteatret and Cosmopolite. I arrive early on Tuesday the 4th of November, and only have less than 30 minutes to freshen up and head to the Oslo concert house where, my immediate supervisor and also the Fredskorpset exchange project coordinator Sigjrn Nedland has made early bookings for us to experience and enjoy the opening concert.

On arrival, I experience Norwegians formidable time keeping first hand; we arrive three minutes late and the hall is fully packed, and the programme has already started! We find our seats in between the break of speeches and what happens next wows methe lights are dimmed; the stage is set and the world renowned Argentine artist Dialogos Rodolfo, Mederos and Spanish Miguel Poveda take on to the stage with so much ease. They mellow the room with their prowess in playing different instruments and melodies and at the onset the crowd is sucked into their melodies, savoring every tune and sound. Then, we get to experience the tango dance! The lady, dressed in sensual attire and heels and the gentleman in a suit with bore tie steal the show as he takes her hand. Again, I cant help marveling at the way they artistically take the steps and twist against each other, their eyes intensely locked. Breathtaking, I would say! Hey, the way they melt with the tunes is something that you only have to see and experience for yourself to really appreciate! The concert is finally over but like myself, the crowd wishes it didnt have to end! Its time to go as we have a lot of work ahead of us the following morning. Sigborn and I arrive at NRK offices in Oslo the next morning, which

is Wednesday, at 9.15am for the morning meeting to plan for day and the week of concerts. The jungeltelegrafen office is a beehive of activity and I get to meet Arne who also works on the jungeltelegrafen cultural programme with my FK Coordinator Sigborn and Benedicte, a journalist assigned to cover the Oslo World Music Festival for the P2 programme. More colleagues led by Linn, a presenter on the cultural music news programme (Musikkredaksjonen) team up to see how they plan their news cultural production. We have a special live broadcast in the evening - the Debut 09, a project orchestrated and implemented by the NRK Jungeltelegrafen programme in collaboration with the Oslo World Music Festival. Debut 09 showcases new bands that have other musical influences away from the main stream music. The winner receives festival passes to the Oslo World Music Festival and NOK 10,000 (approx. Ksh 114,000) from the music magazine - Jungeltelegrafen. And as we prepare for the evening programme I get to learn more how the sound checks and setting up of a live broadcast van is done thanks to the Jungeltelegrafen team. The four band finalists take to the stage and its simply fireworks! At one instance, I pity the judges as the groups are all electrifying. And as the entertainment ensues so does the tension in the room, as time to announce the winner is drawing near. Arne and Sigborn do their thing; one being the presenter and the other one the producer for the night as I shuffle between both to understand whats happening behind the scenes. Finally, Eplemya Songlag, three female vocalists carry the day and on behalf of the

Tango dancers melt to the tunes of Miguel Radolfo (Singing) of the Dialogos group during the Oslo Music Festival.

Nov 2009 - Apr 2010

Culture
Jungeltelegrafen team, Arne and Sigborn hand over the prize to the winners. The show ends around midnight and Im so excited as I look forward to Thursday the 6th of November for an interview with one of the international artists who will perform at the festival. The fact that I have never dealt with music before in the whole of my journalistic career is an understatement; now I even have to interview an internationally renown duo group, Scent of Reunion, thanks to the Fredskorpset exchange programme and Jungeltelegrafen! The day comes and Im tensed all through the morning as my interview is cancelled. My persistence, however, grants me another chance of a 20 minute interview but whose time is to be confirmed later, so I sit in the office crossing fingers hoping for a positive response. As Im just about to break for my lunch I receive a mail from Caroline Hambro, the press coordinator for the Oslo festival confirming my interview at exactly 2pmso I cancel my lunch and sit down trying to rephrase my questions for the interview. At 1.30pm Im off for the interview tensed and excited at the same time not knowing what to expect on the other side. I wonder whether they are friendly, approachable, and many more. The interview is at Rikskonsertene where Im received by a cheerful gentleman who I come to learn is their producer Erik Hillestad. On seeing me he smiles and I automatically breathe a sigh of relief and encourage myself saying it wont be that bad after all. But immediately we get to sit down with Erik I get a hitch and I panic for a moment before I recollect myself; The male singer of the group Sam McClain wont be able to do the interview because he is exhausted and they have to start rehearsals in 20 minutes! But Im not one to let go just like that; I ask Erik if its ok for me to interview him and the other member of the duo Mahsa Vahdat instead. Now composed, Erik gives me a magnificent story of the duo that makes Scent of Reunion. He talks about his inspiration on the lyrics and also gives me an insight about his upcoming project Imagine Africa which coincidentally will start in Kenya by the end of the year. Moreover, Mahsa the Iranian partner has a different story to tell; I reshape my interview to actually get her views, challenges, aspiration and achievements as a female singer from a country where the female voice is banned unless on special occasions. I finish my interviews within the 20 minutes before their rehearsals and have a wonderful time listening to them rehearse after an invitation by Erik. Thank God Sigborn and Arne introduced me yet again to something new, a taxi card they say? Now thats another story. So I get a taxi and Im back in the office for more live coverage for the evening. goat often sneaked out from the grazing land to the nearby forest and ate a particular green leaf. The shepherd one day decided to follow the goat. After carefully examining the leaf he tried to eat it himself once and discovered the pleasant smell and power of the tree. With this tale, coffee was discovered in Ethiopia centuries back. The ceremony lives on in the face of modernization which has significantly transformed the Ethiopian culture. The ceremony begins with scattering of green grass on the floor of the area where the coffee will be roasted. A small fire is put in an elevated pit, something like a jikostove where the raw coffee is heated in a small container over the fire embers. The beans are heated until they become brown as they produce the audible cracking sound (like that of popcorn). The roasting beans emit the aroma, which visitors are honoured to inhale from the smoke. The beans are normally grained before they are put under the fire in a container known as

The duo of Scent Reunion

Ethiopias revered Coffee Ceremony

By Irene Mwivano, EMWA Exchange Participant sweet aroma welcomed me on my arrival at the Ethiopian Media Women Association (EMWA). At first I thought it was a spray or cologne worn by one of the staff. I was mistaken. The fragrance was from roasted coffee seeds which, as I later learnt, were among of the most priced items in Ethiopia. On settling down after my orientation a lady came towards me with a smoking plate containing coffee seeds that I was told to inhale. I was told the aroma, to Ethiopians, was most fabulous and even cannot be compared to that of a rose flower. A TAMWA employee volunteered that the aroma symbolized unity, friendship and affection towards the guest and that whenever a guest is received he or she has to smell the aroma. The coffee ceremony is honored in Ethiopia being the largest export commodity in Ethiopia, generating 60 percent of the countrys total export earnings. The origin of the ceremony can be traced as far back as the 10th century where a shepherd discovered the coffee leaf when his

Mukeha often made from wood while the grinder is called Zana Zana, a kind of stick made from wood or iron. A local explained that the coffee ceremony is respected for the fact that it brings the community together though the practice is not common as before because people have become more preoccupied with other issues and also its time consuming. She added that before, the coffee ceremony was done almost on a daily basis, with neighbours, guests and friends being invited but now the economic situation has turned it into a family ceremony in the sense that it doesnt involve many guests as she used to witness when growing up. Although Ethiopia is a country that upholds its culture, modernization is now catching up with the young, leading to fears that such activities may be abolished, she added.

The roasted coffee on a plate made especially for coffee from clay

The whole ceremony of coffee with grasses laid on the ground, popcorn and bread in the pot made from grass
Nov 2009 - Apr 2010

No to extension for Board

MWIK held her Annual General Meeting on 18th April, 2009 and Special General Meeting on the 27th of June, 2009 at Meridian Court Hotel. The SGM was chaired by the Vice Chairperson Mildred Barasa. The Agenda included approval of the 2008 Audited Reports; presentation of AMWIKs Annual Budget; review of the tenure of the current AMWIK external auditors; fundraising and amendment of the Constitution in reference to increasing the board tenure from two years to three and reintroduction of the position of Secretary on the Board During the deliberations members ruled out the extension of the tenure of the board, noting that this had previously been reviewed from one to two years and doing so would be setting a bad precedent. They also proposed the introduction of a recall clause for non-performing/non-committed members. Among other decisions passed were that a Finance/Treasury Sub Committee be established to draw a procurement schedule and procedures in addition to handling the associations annual expenses. The SGM also stressed that members should renew their membership by March of every year and a reminder would be sent to all and those who do not pay by the said deadline would be removed from the list.

News

Journalists trained on human rights

AMWIK Executive Director, Ms Jane Thuo (2nd Left), Vice Chairperson Mildred Barasa, Programmes Manager Marceline Nyambala and board member Liz Opudo during the SAGM

AMWIK Launches Radio By Annie Arogo Listening Manual

here is more than one way to skin a cat, the old adage goes; and sure enough, the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) has brought life to this saying, having found a unique way of reaching people in the remotest of places in Kenya. Having noted the importance of radio in directly addressing crucial issues affecting communities, AMWIK has since 2004 used the radio listening groups concept to disseminate information on economic, social, cultural and environmental issues. The radio listening groups is a localized media concept that is used to address communities information needs as well as promoting awareness on various issues of concern. While the mass media aims at reaching a wide audience, the community radio listening groups concept aims at addressing issues that are of particular interest to specific communities. As evidence of this impact, AMWIK launched a Training Manual for Community Radio Listening Groups

n January 2009 AMWIK implemented the Promoting Awareness of Womens Human Rights through Community Radio Listening and Media in Kenya in six districts in Kenya. The programme aims to increase awareness through human rights advocacy interventions, especially targeting marginalized and vulnerable groups that include the media, youth, victims, and persons belonging to minority ethnic tribes. In the month of September, 2009 AMWIK trained 60 rural based journalists (30 women and 30 men) to sensitize them on womens rights and expose them to the ongoing reform processes i.e. the Constitution review process, the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC), the National Cohesion and Integration and Issues on Agenda Four among other processes. The training was conducted in Kisumu between 14th-16th September and Mombasa between 23rd 25th September The training thus focused on improving the capacity of journalists and ensuring that they adapt human rights based reporting. Overall, the project seeks to build the capacity of both print and electronic media practitioners and ensuring that they report from human rights based perspective, especially on the proceedings of TJRC. AMWIK has been at the forefront in ensuring that the media gives more attention to human rights issues for enhanced awareness creation and public education on the same. The association recognizes that the media is key in education and awareness raising of human rights issues and ensuring checks on the excesses of the government. The media also have an important role to play in ensuring peace and promoting reconciliation and co-existence among Kenyans and not trivializing or sensationalizing issues arising from the Commission. AMWIK conducted similar training for editors and senior reporters from different media houses in Nairobi in the months of April and May. The training organized between 30th April and 2nd of May, 2009 in conjunction with the Gender Based Violence (GBV) Sub Cluster under the Gender Commission focused on enhancing the skills of journalists covering conflict transformation. The course highlights issues of TJRC, and pinpoints how journalists can enhance their understanding and improve their coverage of issues surrounding the work of the Commission and the GBV that took place during the post-election violence. The aim of the capacity building workshop is to advance journalists understanding of gender and other GBV-related issues and the contributions they can make in protecting the safety of women in the country. AMWIK and her partners take cognizance of the fact that continuous training is the key to good, vibrant, and high quality journalism, and that journalists in Kenya should be encouraged to become sensitive, and provide effective reportage to gender-based violence (GBV) issues. on August 3, 2009. The manual is a detailed tool aimed at assisting organizations wishing to use the model to effectively conduct their radio listening groups and strengthening the capacity of communities to establish and run their own radio listening using existing community resources. Community Radio listening groups encompass the use of already packaged information in a cassette which is listened to by the group who, led by the facilitator/moderator, and later evaluate and discuss the issues and map out the action plans. AMWIK has trained coordinators, presented radios and implemented this form of awareness which has extended to cover 20 districts including Isiolo, Garissa, Marsabit, Wajir, Moyale, Kisumu, Kiambu, Meru, Naivasha, Malindi, Tharaka, Kwale, Mumias, Siaya, Suba and Nairobi.

AMWIK Programmes Manager, Marceline Nyambala presents a certificate of participation to journalist Salma Maro of Kenya News Agency after the training.

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Nov 2009 - Apr 2010

AMWIK Chairperson, Sylvia Machini (Left), Vice Chairperson Mildred Barasa (C) and ED Ms Jane Thuo during the KAP launch

MWIK conducted a knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) survey in six districts in Kenya between 10th March and 30th June, 2009 to determine the information gaps on womens and human rights issues and the reform process in Kenya. Key findings of the study covering Kwale, Malindi, Wajir, Naivasha, Kisumu and Isiolo districts were that awareness of womens and human rights were low in these areas, with a third of the respondents not being aware of their basic human rights. Our writers Venter Mwongera and Abiyot Asrade provide details of the report.
Gender abuse and inequality continue to manifest in various social, political and economical fronts of Kenya due to widespread ignorance of women and human rights issues in the country. This is according to a Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) survey conducted by the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) in six districts of the country, which was launched on 3rd August, 2009. reflects the gloomy picture on the ground, with illiteracy being high, and communities having little knowledge of womens human rights, constitution issues, their reproductive rights among other factors that make women vulnerable. According to the lead researcher Mr. Peter Oriare, a Lecturer at the University of Nairobi, School of Journalism, a third of the respondents in the six districts are not aware of their basic human rights. He says, One out of the five respondents mentioned the various issues pertaining to their basic human rights. The study that targeted girls and boys of ages 13 and 18 years respectively further indicates that there is little participation among Kenyans in human right processes, with 3 out of 4 people interviewed not having participated at all. The report further highlights that 56.5% of the people interviewed are not satisfied with the way religious leaders handle matters relating to wife battering yet the church is viewed as a sacred place to provide solace to the downtrodden. Most of the communities in Kenya opt for village elders to handle domestic problems. However, according to the report, 65.2% of women in these districts are against this informal way of settling disputes saying that women are never given a chance to voice their problems but the ruling is given in favour of men.

Awareness on women and human rights very low - Survey

The report further shows that 38% of the residents in these districts have no education, with only 39.5% having attained primary education while 71% of people in Wajir District had no education at all bearing in mind that majority of them are women and girls. In matters pertaining to politics, 60.3% of women have no idea of who was the chief mediator at the height of the post election violence in Kenya. Wajir led with 51% of women not being aware and more shocking was that 93% of women in these districts had no idea of there being post election talks. The study disclosed that Knowledge of different reform processes is dismal. Knowledge on Constitutional, sharing of power, education, electoral reforms, youth employment and police reforms were low and rated at 37%, 26%, 12%, 4%, 3% and 1% respectively, with women being more ignorant on all processes except on ethnic and race relations reforms where women were found to be 80 per cent knowledgeable. Additionally, despite there being many review commissions, many people are ignorant of them. The Commission into Post Election Violence or the Waki Commission [CIPEV] was popular with 71.7% of people saying they knew about it, the Independent Review Commission (IREC) or the Kriegler Commission had 20.8%, the Constitution Review Commission had 2.6%, Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) 1.6%, Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) had 2.1% while the National Cohesion and Integration Commission had 1.0% However, it was noted that many Kenyans dont understand the role of each commission, majority being women. The understanding on the role of the National Commission on Gender and Development (NCGD) is very low with only 9% being in the picture of its importance. Low women empowerment, corruption in leadership, fear, poverty, culture, discrimination, religion, lack of time, illiteracy, husbands and lack of information are the key factors that obstruct women participation in any national debate and development according to the report. Moreover, many women dont know that they have a right to own property and inherit their husbands property; they dont know that they have equal rights with their husbands; they do not know that they have a right to employment, right to give birth and right to separate and divorce in the event that they are in abusive marriages. The report noted that although womens rights were highly violated; 60.0% of Kisumu residents said that women should be encouraged to report cases of abuse to authorities. Many Kenyans do not know civic responsibility of holding the government accountable to deliver reforms and good governance to them especially womens rights as the report showed. The study revealed that awareness of human rights and laws on the rights of women is lacking. Though majority of respondents recognize human rights to be important, participation in both human rights and political processes is very little. While the government committed itself to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015, the report shows that it is doing poorly in providing food, good health, fine housing, clean water, land and security to her citizens. The report further revealed that the rights majority of people in these districts have been violated in different situations and those interviewed attest that many of their friends [women] rights have been infringed. According to the report, understanding of the role of duty bearers is average with respondents indicating that the government plays legal enforcement roles, the community should curb traditional practices that hurt women and civil society to carry out civic education and advocacy to ensure that everybody knows and respect others rights. The preferred media for obtaining information on human rights, according to the report, is radio, television and newspapers in that order. Communities also obtain information about human rights at chiefs barazas, friends, women meetings, relatives and workmates. More women than men prefer women groups and spouses. The report recommends sustained human rights education and advocacy to increase knowledge about fundamental rights and privileges in the districts and probably most of Kenya. The government similarly needs to invest more resources to facilitate citizen participation in human rights discourses and political processes such as TJRC, National Commission on Cohesion and Integration [NCCI], IIEC and constitutional reviews.
Nov 2009 - Apr 2010

News

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AMWIK hosts visiting women groups

News

RWANDA MEDIA WOMEN SEEK TIPS FROM AMWIK

wanda Media Women Association visited AMWIK on the 20th November 2009 to share experiences on how to strengthen their Association. Faith Mbabazi Chairperson of the Association de Femmes Rwandaise dans Le Media (ARFEM) congratulated AMWIK for the tremendous growth it had achieved over the years saying AMWIK was a source of inspiration for them. Mbabazi was accompanied by Flora Kaitosi a member of ARFEM. The Rwandan team was warmly received at the Secretariat and by the Vice Chairperson Mildred Barasa, the Executive Director Jane Thuo. The also found time to interact with the exchange participants currently working in AMWIK from Ethiopia, Tanzania and Norway. Mbabazi who is also a Chief Editor Office Rwandese de Informacion (Rwanda Broadcasting Bureau) said the media in Rwanda had reverted to infancy following the genocide. People are suspicious of media because of the role it played in spurring the genocide. Following the genocide media has lagged behind in Rwanda, she shared. She said there were equally very few women in the media industry. She said recently she visited the Great Lakes Media Center and only five out of the 70 students were women. She noted that women do not have funds for pay for the university education while half of those who register do not stay. AMWIK shared their 25-year-old long journey pinpointing that it hasnt always been easy. AMWIK stressed on the need for the Rwanda women to establish a Secretariat, increase membership by making the initial subscription fair and creating strong governance structures built on integrity. AMWIK also encouraged them to seek funds from donors, government and private sector and use their skills and knowledge to respond to the various challenges facing people of Rwanda.

By Marceline Nyambala

Women from Georgia University USA, with AMWIK members

and ideas on different aspects of programme related work, particularly concerning women. On 22nd July, 2009, a group of women from the University of Georgia, USA visited AMWIK to learn about our activities on gender, women and the media. Led by Ms Njeri Marekia, the African Programme Specialist at the University of Georgia, the group expressed interest to work with different associations and groups around the world, especially in Africa to empower women. Ms Marekia singled out AMWIK as one of the groups the team wished to network with jointly on women issues. The visit was organized by Reto Women Association, a local nonpolitical organization founded in 1986 whose members are drawn from women who ideologically identify with Maa speaking peoples and/ or are affiliated with them through marriage. The association aims to promote the socio- economic status of women and advocating for the girl-child education. AMWIK also hosted a group of professionals from Ethiopia who are involved in the Ethiopian Women in Conflict Resolution and Peace Building project. The visit on 27th August 2009 was organized under the auspices of the Women in Peace Program (WIP) managed by the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR). The group sought to share experiences and draw lessons from the peace building activities of Kenyan women and the media and also identify the gaps and challenges of Kenyan women in peace building. Among other objectives of the visit were; to reflect on Kenyan and Ethiopian experiences and draw lessons that can be integrated into the groups own organizational changes and to foster interactions and share perspectives among participants in the organizations and to motivate committed individuals to form a Women for Peace Network. WIP aims to promote peace in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa by building on the successes that women have achieved in this arena.

ime and again, AMWIK hosts different groups of people of all walks of life, all eager to share experiences

The Ethiopian Women led by EMWA Chief Executive Officer, Ms Abebech Wolde standing right, listen keenly during a meeting at the AMWIK Resource Centre
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Nov 2009 - Apr 2010

ARFEM Chairperson, Faith Mbabazi (2nd L) and member Flora Kaitosi (2nd R) pose for a photo with AMWIK staff

Giving back to society

News

Giving back to society is becoming more recognized as a meaningful and powerful ingredient for healthy lifestyle and sound wellbeing. In view of this and as part of our community service, AMWIK endeavours to help disadvantaged groups in our society, particularly women and children to enable them enjoy better life. One of the beneficiaries has been the Shangilia Mtoto wa Africa Childrens Home in Kangemi which AMWIK adopted more than five years ago. The association organizes annual visits by members to the home where we donate basic necessities. During this years visit on 5th December 2005, the AMWIK team led by the Vice Chairperson Mildred Barasa and Welfare Committee Chairperson Liz Opudo donated different items including metal boxes, shoes and clothes.

AMWIK Vice Chairperson, Ms Mildred Barasa (2nd Right), Treasurer, Ms Rachel Keino (L) and Welfare Committee Chairperson, Liz Opudo presents metal boxes to Shangilia Childrens Home.

Shangilia Children entertaining visiting AMWIK team

The home was founded and registered in 1994 by one of AMWIKs pioneering members and Kenyan film actress, Anne Wanjugu. Presently the home houses over 230 former street children who are trained in performing arts to gain self confidence and worth. The children have taken their shows to Germany, Thailand, China, Zanzibar, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mayote, Greece and the USA.

MWIK received yet another team on 24th November 2009 from the Zambia Media Liaison Committee (MLC) who sought to learn more on media regulation, borrowing from the Kenyan experience. Zambia MLC is a consortium of media Associations and unions in Zambia namely The Press Association of Zambia (PAZA), Zambia Media Women Association (ZAMWA), Catholic Media Services (CMS), Zambia Union of Broadcasters and other Information Disseminators (ZUBID), Zambia Union of Journalists (ZUJ), Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services (MIBS), and the Press Freedom Committee (PFC) of The Post. The meeting was held at the AMWIK resource centre and was

Zambian media seeks lessons from Kenya

attended by Zambia MLC representatives, Ms Sally Chiwama and Messrs Amos Chanda, Henry Habwe and Chapadongo Lungu and AMWIK members and staff led by the Programmes Manager, Ms Marceline Nyambala. Zambia MLC is in the process of coming up with a self regulatory document and the visit comes at a time when the media in Zambia is being confronted with many challenges which have at times threatened to curtail the trust that it holds in society. At the centre is the wide-ranging and lucid opposition on matters of ethics and unity. The associations are reluctant to allow perpetuation of the scenario as it takes away, to some extent, the medias efforts to concentrate on serving the people with diligence.
Nov 2009 - Apr 2010

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AMWIK takes 16 days campaign to grassroots

News

Participants during the forum

he year 2009 marks the 19th year of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence. Joining the rest of the world to say no to gender based violence, AMWIK kicked off her series of activities on November 25, 2009 with a one-day forum bringing together organizations involved in human rights work to share information, ideas and experiences and the way forward on gender violence. Participants at the forum held at Galu Primary School, Mwabungo in Kwale district partners resolved to be at the forefront in the campaign to eliminate Violence against Women which is rampant in the area. AMWIK Programme Officer Lilian Juma who launched the 16 Day of Activism against Gender Violence on behalf of the Executive Director, Ms Jane Thuo said the association will not relent in the campaign towards the abandonment of gender-based violence. Lilian called on groups to make use of media in promoting awareness creation on gender violence, especially violence against women which is a violation of human rights. Noting that all Kenyans have a responsibility in eliminating GBV, Lilian said it was sad that even with increased awareness creation and advocacy by government and civil society groups,
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Nov 2009 - Apr 2010

By Mahmoud Barroh

many GBV cases continue to be reported countrywide. Preliminary findings of the 2008-2009 Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) indicate that 39 percent of married, divorced or separated women aged 15-49 were physically or sexually violated by their husbands or partners. 15 percent of women reported having been sexually abused. The results show further that older women are more likely than younger women to report having ever been beaten or sexually assaulted while rural women are more likely than urban women to be victims of physical or sexual violence in marriage. In his remarks, Kinondo Ward Councilor and Human Rights Activist Ali Salim Mwabata challenged community based organizations including women and youth groups to team up with like minded NGOs, the government and police to create awareness on GBV. He cited retrogressive cultural practices as playing a big part in women rights abuse. Msambweni District Gender Youth and Social Development Officer Omar Wazir moved the participants when he belted out a song by Tanzanian Musician, Cosmus Tobias, narrating how a woman who was chased away by her husband and denied inheritance, which he likened to the situation in Kwale.

Kwale District Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organization Chairlady Mishi Nsindano called on Women to be on the fore front in fighting for their Rights. Speaking on the womens rights situation in Malindi, AMWIK local Coordinator Walter Kingi lamented the abuse of women in the salt mining area. On the Kwale situation, Asa-Rev Group Assistant Secretary Mwanaisha Ranzuga said the abuse of womens rights has been boosted by poverty and ignorance and called on women rights NGOs to team up with grassroots organizations to address the violations. Kenya Land Alliance Coast Coordinator Coast Frank Kazungu disclosed that the National Land Policy has empowered women to own land and chided the situation where women farm 80 percent of the land yet they own 4 percent. Amina Bakari, Coordinator of Coast Women Rights Network (COWER) emphasized on the need to implement Millenium Development Goal (MDG) No. 5 of reducing child mortality rate by two thirds by 2015. Kinondo Women Network Chairlady Faiza Wamalwa called on Women to unite in advocating for their meaningful

share as human beings. She lashed at the government and some NGOs for allegedly giving women a raw deal yet they represent majority of women who are poor and ignorant. German Udo Schaefgen, a director of Asa-Rev Self Help Group said in Germany women share equal rights and responsibilities with men. Mahmoud Barroh, the Convener and AMWIK Kwale district Coordinator urged leaders and the civil society to emulate AMWIK who have done a lot to address women rights issues by empowering community based organizations through awareness creation. He recommended partnerships in awareness creation to address the plight of communities, citing the forum organized by AMWIK which was able to reach many different groups representing communities from all parts of the larger Kwale and Malindi. He challenged the Media to play a vital role in educating the masses as they enjoy unlimited access. Musa Athuman of Tangulia Youth facilitated a Radio Programme Shime Akina Mama as Mbarak Mwamaku of Lamukani anchored a Video Programme on Women Rights. Igiza Ziwani Group from Kwale entertained participants with a dance and play on womens rights. There were also poems on violence against women by

Tatu Juma of Clean Heart, Msambweni and Hidaya of Mwangaza Women Group, Malindi. The Forum facilitated by AMWIK brought together several organizations community based organizations, women groups, youth groups, human rights networks, faith based organizations, teachers, government officers from Malindi and Kwale. The media was represented by Radio Salaam and Bahari FM who also covered the forum. IEC materials were availed by AMWIK, URAIA, the Coalition on Violence against Women (COWAW), the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-KENYA), Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and the Legal Resources Foundation among others Background The year 2009 marks the 19th year that the16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence will be observed. This years theme is Commit Act Demand: We CAN End Violence against Women! The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence Campaign is an annual international campaign that began in 1991 by the Womens Global Leadership Institute sponsored by the Centre for Womens Global Leadership. It runs each year from the 25th November to 10th December led by a different theme. The campaign aims at highlighting the

News
relationship between women, violence and human rights. Womens rights are human rights issues. Particular dates on this campaign are: 25 November: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 01 December: World AIDS Day; there is a significant link between HIV/AIDS and women; World wide women are more hit by the pandemic than their male counterparts. Most women get the virus through sexual violence such as rape and their lack of power over matters related to sexuality. 03 December: International Day of People with Disability, Women with disability are more vulnerable to GBV and their plight often goes undetected. 06 December: Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre; in 1989, 14 women were murdered for being feminists at the University of Montreal School of Engineering, the killer blamed the women students for his non admission to the engineering school. 10 December: International Human Rights Day, which is the celebration of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

AMWIK programmes Officer Lilian Juma with Kwale groups during a one day forum on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Nov 2009 - Apr 2010

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AMWIK Staff at a Glance

Jane Thuo, Executive Director

Marceline Nyambala, Programmes Manager

Lilian Juma, Programmes Officer

Moses Masawa, Finance & Administration Officer

Linda Ongwenyi, Programmes Assistant

Lawrence Muriithi, Driver

Mercy David, Office Assistant

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Nov 2009 - Apr 2010

AMWIK District Coordinators from L-R Walter Kingi (Malindi), Mahmond Baroh (Kwale), Hussein Guyo (Naivasha), Mohammod Sheikh (Wajir), Michael Ochieng (Kisumu) and Zeinab Roba (Isiolo)

Tributes

am grateful to AMWIK for giving me this opportunity to share my experiences as a scholarship beneficiary. I strongly believe that this type of solidarity among people of similar interests is of great value because it enables us to learn from each other. To start with I will say AMWIK has been my mother. I am a product of this noble association. I joined the organization way back in 2002 when I was a young student at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication and looking back I can say I have really grown. AMWIK has nurtured me so well as a baby, introduced me to gender issues and made me a perfect champion and advocate of women and children. The AMWIK scholarship which I received in 2004 helped me to gain knowledge and skills to become a professional. The degree in Social Communication from Tangaza College an affiliate college of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa that I received has opened up my horizon, increased my marketability and enabled gain international exposure. It gave me the chance to update myself and keep abreast with the fast changing world of communication.

Bravo AMWIK!

At a personal level it gave me the fulfillment and self confidence acquired with better education. The scholarship has been a means to that end. The skills and knowledge acquired has impacted my way of working positively and contribute to the delivery of both results and products. My fellow peers in the media should see this as a proof that opportunities do exist for further development and consolidate on their career. Perseverance, the right attitude and a strong will can help reap huge benefits; both personal and professional. Being a woman in a world being dominated by men requires more self esteem and strong character. Let us share our experience and support each other to bring forth the important role of women in the media. The senior members of the association acted as our guardians and counselors. People like Pamela Mburia, Lillian Nduta and Jane Thuo have really supported me during my days in AMWIK. Their guidance proved a success. I would love to encourage my fellow women journalists to join AMWIK as it is a backbone and support centre for women journalists. I salute you all. Thanks you very much.

Speech by Redemptor Atieno, Communications and Network Officer, Health Action International Africa during AMWIK fundraising dinner on 30th October 2009.

Im now a better person, Thanks to FK

By Sabra Ali Mohammed

y programme started in February, running until December 09. When my organization selected me to participate in this programme, they expected me to be involved in community radio listening group activities, produce radio documentaries, participate in media monitoring particularly on coverage of women and children issues, participate in proposal and report writing and also do programme monitoring and evaluation. Monitoring was the first skill that I learned at AMWIK; I remember it was my second week in Kenya, when the AMWIK Executive Director asked me to prepare for a monitoring exercise in Kwale, Mombasa where AMWIK has been running a programme towards the elimination of child labour. This was a challenge to me as it was my first time to do monitoring. However, working in collaboration with the director,
Nov 2009 - Apr 2010

17

Tributes
everything went smoothly. Through this field trip I got very good experience and among the things that excited me was the discussions I held with some of the children who were drawn from various forms of child labour. Their testimonies indeed pained me as they were a clear picture of how much children are suffering in Kenya and the rest of the world. Working under AMWIK also gave me a chance to understand how to run a community radio listening group. In my previous job as a civic education officer I used to prepare programmes on Tanzania national radio, targeting the wider audience. The community radio listening groups concept addresses issues that are of particular interest to specific communities. This is a unique and very interactive way of raising awareness on issues of concern to specific communities. The radio listening group concept also gives listeners an opportunity to participate in discussions on the issues at hand. Therefore, the concept of community radio listening groups is, to me, another great benefit. One other thing that made me proud to be with AMWIK is the fact that I had a chance to learn more on fundraising. This is one of the things that my home organization, TAWMA, insisted that I learn from AMWIK. Therefore let me take this opportunity to thank AMWIK Executive Director for lecturing to us on the process of fundraising. This was a timely lecture, as due to this training, I managed to prepare my own project - I wrote a project proposal to the FK Regional Office in which I proposed to help a centre for homeless children in Kasarani, Kenya. Additionally, I have, in collaboration with AMWIK staff written a proposal to the European Union requesting for funds for an environmental preservation project. Currently I am preparing a project proposal to support HIV/AIDS women in Zanzibar. I also got another chance to participate in actual fundraising when I joined the AMWIK fundraising committee. I was involved in the preparation of a fundraising dinner in support women journalists to pursue higher education at Local universities. Through this I got more insight into local fundraising strategies. These highlights are examples of the fruits of the South-South women journalists exchange programme. Before I got into this programme, I could hardly imagine such benefits! The programme has widened my knowledge and now Im able to think outside the box. Apart from adding to my Journalistic experience, the programme has also enabled me to have much knowledge on the operations of non governmental organizations (NGO), having been previously confined to working only in governmental institutions. While at AMWIK, I have come to learn how committed the private sector is, and this is different from governmental Institutions. I like the working style in AMWIK; the working environment is flexible and despite the fact that Im a journalist, the association encouraged me to practice different tasks including administrative work. Being a good writer is critical to any Journalist. The ten months in AMWIK have given me a chance to practice a lot of writing; I managed to draft press releases and write news and feature articles and even got published in TAIFA Leo and the Daily Nation. I have also contributed articles for the AMWIK website, annual report, the Connection newsletter and also participated in writing reports from our field work trips. Currently AMWIK is conducting website training for her staff, of which I am also involved. Im confident that training will increase my credibility on Journalistic profession. The programme has built my selfconfidence, not only in the work environment but also in my living environment. After successfully completing this programme, Im sure I can work in any kind of organization, local or international. This was my first time to live out side my home country for such a long time. However this kind of life has taught me to be much independent and self confident. Here I have lived with my fellow participant from Ethiopia, even though for the first time it was a very big challenge to live with someone from a different culture. However we tried to tolerate each other in our differences, now we are living as blood sisters! From her I have learnt many things on Ethiopians culture. I thank FK Norway and media women organizations for introducing this programme. My high credit goes to my organization TAMWA for selecting me to attend this programme and also my host organization AMWIK who have treated me as their staff. This programme is the door to my progress and my success. I am proud to say now I am more confident in my work. I am sure I will provide useful contribution to my organization TAMWA. Every thing which I did during my ten months in AMWIK is vital to me. I am proud that I am much competent on media work now. This programme has created a strong media women network in Africa to spearhead gender equity and extend the possibilities of capacity building for MWAs beyond the existing network.

Confidence in work

My expectation in TAMWA

Upon return, I will focus on the following; First, I plan to advise the TAMWA Executive Director to introduce the concept of community radio listening groups in TAMWA programmes. I noticed that this programme is very vital at the community level yet TAMWA is yet to venture in this area. Second, since I have already acquired knowledge on monitoring and evaluation, I will contribute much in this area in TAMWA. TAMWA has a sub office in Zanzibar, which is currently running a four-year Programme, known as the WEZA project (Women Empowerment in Zanzibar) and my newly acquired skills in monitoring and evaluation will come in handy. Thirdly TAMWA also has a fundraising programme in which I will volunteer to work in as a member of the fundraising committee.

Host organizations still need to undertake more initiatives that will consequently strengthen the exchange participants in different areas. The number of participants should be increased so as to give more chances to many media women to get training as a way of empowering them and improving the status of women.

Recommendation(s) on the Exchange programme

Sabra is the 2009 exchange participant from Tanzania Media Women Association (TAMWA) hosted by AMWIK

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Nov 2009 - Apr 2010

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In her speech during the occasion, Her excellency Elisabeth Jacobsen viewed media as an important contributor to democracy. Media has an important role in ensuring that all citizens are informed and that their voices are heard. The media also has a critical role in holding politicians and leaders accountable, and visualizing lack of accountability, so that citizens can make their judgment when elections come, she said. The envoy further urged the media to be at the forefront in changing gender based stereotyping. She also encouraged journalists to ensure they always ask the right questions and focus on investigative journalism and not so much on the persons and the political games. Commending AMWIK for creating the scholarship fund and bridging the educational gap for female journalists in the country, Jacobsen stressed the need for women role models in all sectors in society in order to reach the goal of gender equality. She also cited AMWIKs role in empowering women and developing democracy in Kenya as crucial.

Previous scholarship winners

Over the last five years AMWIKs fundraising dinners have raised Ksh 4.4 million and enabled 13 members to pursue local university education at undergraduate and post graduate levels. Redemtor Atieno, one of the beneficiaries describes the association as her mother. AMWIK has nurtured me so well as a baby, introduced me to gender issues and made me a perfect champion and advocate of women and children. The scholarship I received in 2004 helped me to gain knowledge and skills to become a professional, she said in her testimony during the dinner. (See full testimony page 17). The overwhelming support from various

The sponsors

quarters made the evening worth working so hard for. Altogether the dinner raised Ksh 2.2 million. The biggest donor this year was the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, which donated Ksh 400,000. In a speech read by the Ministrys Public Relations Officer, Ms Dorcus Ambuto, the Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Dr. Sally Kosgei noted that AMWIKs goal of helping media women further their education was in synchrony with the functions of the ministry. Saying her ministry was willing to offer more support to women journalists, the minister urged AMWIK to take the initiative and see how both can collaborate in the future. Mobile telephone service provider, Zain Kenya donated Ksh 200,000. The companys Director of Corporate Communications, Mr Michael Okwiri said the company was committed to supporting training for media women in Kenya. Mr Okwiri urged other corporates in the country to support AMWIKs scholarship fund to ensure that media women in the country achieve their career goals. Mr Samson Machuka, the director of the Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate under the Ministry of Planning noted that the ministry was keen to involve the media in its goal of keeping development on track. He said one of the critical areas that the ministry is involved in was advocacy and sensitization adding that the ministry would ensure that the media is adequately supported in this area. Other sponsors were Kenya Roads Board, Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) and the Ministry of Roads who pledged Ksh 200,000 each. Royal Media Services gave Ksh 100,000. In her remarks during the dinner, Royal Media Services Corporate Affairs Manager, Ms Catherene Kasavuli said the company was committed to the development of the journalism

Dinner
profession and particularly the development of talent in Kenya. We take pride in the fact that the senior most woman journalist in Kenya is Royal Medias Editorial Director, Ms Farida Karoney. We also feel much at home with AMWIK as we continue to support women in the media and especially the AMWIK Scholarship kitty, she added. Other corporate sponsors were African Women &Child Feature Service (AWC), Nairobi Hospital, Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), Keroche Industries Ltd, Chase Bank, mobile service provider Safaricom, Commercial Bank of Africa and the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Kenya). Besides corporate sponsorship, Royal Media Services, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and the Standard group offered free airtime and print space. Kenya Times, Nation Media Group and The Star donated print space. AMWIK also received support in form of raffle prizes from Meridian Court Hotel, Comfort Hotel, Fish Eagles Inn-Naivasha, Hotel Intercontinental and member Dennitah Ghati. Youth on the Move donated T-Shirts and Caps as well as offering one year training on epilepsy for 12 people. More support was given by Parents Magazine, the Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW-Kenya), Homegrown Flower Farm, Incas Health, Makini Schools, the Architectural Society of Kenya (AAK) Kimani & Associates and the African Network for the Prevention and Protection against Child Abuse and Neglect (ANPPCAN). Individuals were also not left behind and those who donated to the scholarship kitty included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communication, Mr Bitange Ndemo, the Director of Information, Mr Ezekiel Mutua, Senior Lecturer at the University of Nairobi, Mr. Peter Oriare and Media Consultant, Kwamchetsi Makokha among others.

Dancing for a worthy cause: Her Excellency Elisabeth Jacobsen puts her best leg forward, alongside AMWIK members as Kayamba Africa man belts out a favourite tune.
Nov 2009 - Apr 2010

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