By the African Journalism Students Network
The Journalism Students Network of Zimbabwe (JSNA) convened a virtual webinar themed “Power of Perspectives: How Women’s Leadership is Redefining Press Freedom in the African Media”, which brought together prominent women media leaders from across Africa to discuss this evolving dynamic.
The webinar highlighted how women’s approaches to journalism are creating more inclusive newsrooms, challenging traditional power structures, and developing innovative strategies to protect press freedom.
In an era where press freedom faces unforeseen challenges regionally and globally, a significant evolution is underway across the African media landscape. Women journalists and media leaders are stepping into roles and offering fresh perspectives that are fundamentally reshaping how press freedom is understood, defended, and expanded throughout the continent.
Historically, African media organisations, like their global counterparts, have been dominated by male leadership. This imbalance has influenced everything from news priorities to organisational culture. The panelists discussed how women leaders are introducing different management styles that emphasise collaboration, mentorship, and inclusive decision-making.
Speaking during the Webinar hosted by Uganda’s trailblazing Tracey Kansiime from Next Media Services and NBS TV, WAN-IFRA Women In News Global Director Leadership, Jane Godia, commended women who are playing a pivotal role in leadership positions as this is shaping women’s narratives and promoting press freedom.
“For 15 years, WAN-IFRA’s Women In News has championed women’s leadership within the media. This work underscores the persistent challenges faced by female CEOs and senior editors. Balancing demanding professional careers with familial responsibilities—motherhood, spousal roles, and caregiving—presents a significant burden. Furthermore, entrenched cultural and social norms across Africa perpetuate harmful stereotypes, undermining women’s professional authority and respect.
“Despite these obstacles, women leaders in media demonstrate remarkable resilience. I commend their dedication and urge them to continue their assertive presence in the field. It is crucial to tackle challenging beats, including political, mining, and business reporting, without reservation. Gender should not be a limiting factor in pursuing and excelling in these critical areas of journalism,” said Godia.
Echoing the same sentiments was Zimbabwean-based Unique Zimuto, who is the programmes manager of Heart and Soul Broadcasting services. He noted that when women lead newsrooms, they tend to create environments where diverse voices can thrive. This translates directly to how women leaders approach press freedom – as a practical necessity for telling the African story.
“Women leaders bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the newsrooms and this leads to inclusivity and equal representative reporting.
“It is important to note that most headlines are male-dominated, but many women are doing incredible work in diverse communities, corporations and the media. The more women are spoken about, the more they are empowered. We commend WAN-INFRA for the Leadership Accelerator Programme that has improved our newsrooms tremendously, particularly in the context of empowering young female Journalists from different Colleges and Universities across Zimbabwe. Since then, we have been more deliberate and intentional in including women-led programmes at Heart and Soul Broadcasting Services,” said Zimuto.
A key theme that emerged during this webinar was how women’s leadership is expanding the very definition of press freedom. Beyond the traditional focus on government censorship and journalist safety, women media leaders are addressing more nuanced barriers, such as gender-based harassment and economic challenges.
Theresa Takafuma, the Tell Zimbabwe news editor, explained that press freedom isn’t just about avoiding censorship. It’s about having the economic independence to report without fear of losing advertisers and our audience. It’s about addressing any form of harassment that silences women on certain topics from the public discourse, she said.
“In Zimbabwe, women’s leadership is demonstrably reshaping the landscape of press freedom and inclusivity. Initiatives like those from Gender and Media Connect (GMC) and the WAN-IFRA Women In News Leadership Accelerator Programme have been pivotal. These strategic interventions have significantly strengthened the capacity of both aspiring young female journalists from universities and colleges and practicing female journalists in the industry.
“Previously, newsrooms were marred by issues such as sexual harassment and the exploitation of labor through casualisation and inadequate remuneration. However, notable progress has been made. The development and implementation of gender policies, alongside targeted capacity-building initiatives, are empowering young women to confidently voice their perspectives and assume leadership roles within the media sector,” said Takafuma.
The webinar highlighted innovative approaches that women-led media organisations are adopting to protect their operations and journalists in hostile environments. Rather than relying solely on international advocacy, many are building strong community relationships as a shield against government interference.
There is a need to prioritise hard topics in Zambia, particularly serious issues to do with women. Issues to do with inclusion also need to be prioritised, said Rabecca Phiri, a freelance journalist from Zambia.
Women media leaders are pioneering sustainable business models that reduce dependence on government advertising or politically connected donors – a critical component of editorial independence. The panelists shared examples of membership models, specialised content services, and cross-border collaborations that strengthen financial stability.
The article, Power of Perspectives: How Women’s Leadership is Redefining Press Freedom in the African Media, was originally published by Ajen Newsletter on April, 7 2025.