Bamenda, Cameroon: In a move to champion women's voices and experiences in the media landscape, Clotilda Andiensa, CEO of the Center for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development (CAGEAD), presented envelopes to journalists at the Cameroon Journalists' Trade Union (CJTU) North West - Fawah Agather Memorial Award ceremony held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Bamenda.
During the ceremony, Andiensa awarded envelopes to both the winner and participants who submitted entries for the award, emphasizing the importance of recognizing efforts to shed light on women's issues in journalism. Reflecting on the legacy of the late journalist Fawah Agather, Andiensa highlighted the significance of giving women and girls a dedicated focus in reporting, particularly within the context of the environmental crisis.
"Women and girls deserve special attention when it comes to reporting, especially amid the environmental challenges we face today," Andiensa remarked, highlighting the need for media coverage that amplifies the voices of women and addresses their unique experiences and perspectives.
Andiensa, recently recognized as one of the 25 most influential figures in the Bamenda III Municipality, has been actively engaged in initiatives aimed at empowering women and girls. Through CAGEAD, she has championed education for school-going girls by providing reproductive health education and sanitary items, ensuring their access to education and promoting gender equality.
The gesture by Andiensa took place during the CJTU NW 2024 Awards Café, organized by the Cameroon Journalists' Trade Union (CJTU) North West to honour the memory of journalists, including Fawah Agather, who have passed away in the region. The event, held as part of activities marking World Press Freedom Day 2024, served as a platform to celebrate journalistic excellence and advocate for press freedom.
Nji Ignatius, President of CJTU North West, expressed appreciation for CAGEAD's support and called for continued collaboration between the organization and the journalists' trade union to ensure comprehensive coverage of women's issues in media reporting.
As journalists strive to fulfill their roles as watchdogs and storytellers, initiatives like those led by CAGEAD serve as catalysts for inclusive and impactful journalism, driving positive change and advancing gender equality in society.
By Bakah Derick
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