Post COVID-19 Pandemic: AWiM Partners UNEP On African Environment Journalism Programme
Anthonia Duru
To support Africa’s recover sustainability from the Covid-19 pandemic, the African Women in Media (AWiM), in partnership with the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), is set to roll out the African Environment Journalism Programme.
The project, underpinned by the African Green Stimulus Programme, a new continental platform to support Africa recover sustainably from the COVID-19 pandemic. Journalists and content producers would pitch environmental stories focused on Africa. Journalists commissioned to produce stories would also have access to training.
Speaking at the signing of the agreement with AWiM, the Head of Communication and Outreach for Africa in the UN Environment Programme, Mohammed Atani, said, “Engaging African media to report on the environmental challenges and opportunities in the continent in the context of supporting the implementation of the African Green Stimulus Programme is crucial to move the African environmental agenda forward for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.”
“The role of African women journalist is of paramount importance to UNEP. We are pleased to be partnering with AWiM on this innovative and exciting initiative. I call upon African Women in the media to make reporting on the environment a priority,” Atani added.
Given the global conversations around the environment, this is a timely and vital project that ensures women’s voices on environmental challenges in Africa are not forgotten. The initial pilot phase will run for six months.
“We are at a critical period in our understanding and attempts to tackle important environmental issues globally. The voices of African women must not be missing in that global narrative, especially in the solutions and approaches to tackling these issues,” said Dr Yemisi Akinbobola, co-founder and CEO, African Women in Media. “We are pleased that UNEP is supporting women journalists and prioritising the reporting on how environmental issues impact African women through this programme”, Atani added.
The project aims to highlight the 12 elements of the African Green Stimulus Programme Chief of which is improving Air Quality, enhancing Chemicals and Waste Management and promoting the Circular Economy. The project also aims to combat land degradation, desertification, drought amongst others.
AWiM is a network for African women working in media industries across the globe.
