Female journalists trained in environmental reporting

Masindi: Female journalists from various districts in the Albertine region recently participated in a training focused on environmental monitoring and reporting.

Organized by Western Media for Environment and Conservation (WEMECO), with support from the Earth and Rights Initiative (ERI) and Global Green Grants Fund, the training took place at the Country Inn Hotel in Masindi district.

This initiative aims to empower journalists with the skills needed to effectively report on environmental issues impacting their communities.

The Executive Director Earth and Rights Initiative,  a conservation nongovernmental organization, Hussein Kato Muyinda challenged female  journalists across the Albertine region to take keen interest in reporting on environment issues as women are the most affected by climatic issues.

Muyinda noted that whereas climate change affects everyone, it does not affect them equally, revealing women and girls often face higher risks and greater burden from the impacts of climate change in situations of poverty due to existing roles, responsibilities and cultural norms.

He explained that in Uganda women are responsible for household energy, food, water among other duties making them at times face difficulties in fulfilling their roles adding that by taking keen interests in environmental issues, female journalists will be contributing to the fight against climate change and they end up being the biggest beneficiaries.

“Women relate better to the community’s struggles,” he explained, highlighting the need to amplify the voices of the Albertine region.

Charles Batambuze, a board member at WEMECO, introduced a comprehensive guide to climate change reporting aimed at empowering journalists to address this pressing issue. He stressed the critical need for informed reporting on climate change as it emerges as the foremost challenge in the country.

Peter Akugizibwe Araali, the Executive Director WEMECO pledged continued training to the female journalists on environmental issues to equip them with more knowledge necessary to report on climate issues. He therefore urged them to use the skills obtained from workshop so that they can become better environment reporters.

He encouraged participants to pursue grants available for environmental journalism. ”There are many organizations that give out grants, especially for environmental reporters.”

Flavia Ajok, a journalist working with ugreports.co.ug, reflected on the training’s impact, advocating for balanced coverage of environmental issues, including potential solutions. “It’s important to engage the community in addressing these challenges,” she stated.

She also applauded the training saying the skills acquired from it will enable her to report the environmental stories and to sensitize their fellow women on climate change challenges

Ramula Namatembe Muteesi, the station manager at Biiso FM in Buliisa district, praised the initiative, calling for more airtime dedicated to environmental discussions.

Hellen Nyakato from the Navigators of Development Association (NAVODA) noted the positive effects of these trainings in empowering female journalists, reinforcing their role in advocating for environmental protection.

Local initiatives and impact

The training’s ripple effect is evident in initiatives like the Buliisa Grassroots Women Association, founded by Harriet Kugonza.

This group focuses on environmental preservation and alternative energy solutions, such as briquette production to reduce reliance on charcoal and firewood. They are teaching community members sustainable practices that promote economic empowerment and environmental conservation.

Kugonza called for government support to facilitate the adoption of briquettes and implement stricter environmental protection laws.

Akugizibwe added that reducing the costs of electricity and gas would help minimize firewood usage and combat environmental degradation.

Overall, this training not only equipped female journalists with the necessary skills to report on environmental issues but also inspired community-driven initiatives aimed at sustainable development and conservation.

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