By Suleman Chitera
Journalists across Africa have been urged to actively promote gender perspectives in climate change reporting, highlighting the crucial role of women and girls in climate justice narratives.
Speaking on Thursday during a virtual Media Science Café, Audrey Masita, Mission Inclusion’s Communication and Advocacy Coordinator, described journalists as key partners in science reporting. She emphasized that empowering journalists is essential for effectively tackling climate change and ensuring that the voices of women and girls are amplified in discussions around environmental sustainability and climate policy.
“Journalists play a critical role in shaping public understanding of climate change,” Masita said. “Media platforms can influence how communities perceive environmental challenges and the role of gender in addressing them. We must equip journalists with the tools and knowledge to report on these issues comprehensively.”
The Media Science Café serves as a platform where journalists, scientists, policymakers, and the general public can access information on biodiversity, enabling informed decision-making. It offers a unique space for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration among stakeholders working on environmental and development issues.
Dingani Mithi, Programs Manager at Jounaaids, noted that the Café provides support to science journalists covering areas such as health, development, technology, agriculture, and the environment. He encouraged journalists to develop and publish stories that highlight biodiversity, environmental conservation, and climate change, ensuring that these narratives reach policymakers and local communities who are directly affected.
“The Media Café is not just about sharing information,” Mithi said. “It is about empowering journalists to tell stories that can drive policy change and inspire community action on environmental issues.”
The Media Science Café was organized by Jounaaids, with support from the Media for Environment, Science, Health, and Agriculture (MESHA) network through the International Development Research Center (IDRC). Initiatives like this aim to strengthen science journalism in Africa while fostering gender-inclusive reporting in climate change and biodiversity coverage.
