The Media Council of Malawi (MCM) trained female journalists from various media outlets in the central region on digital skills and online safety.
The training was organized in response to the growing challenges and forms of abuse that female journalists face in digital spaces. It aimed to empower participants to engage more confidently and safely online, while helping them better understand the digital environment and how to navigate it securely.
MCM Executive Director Moses Kaufa emphasized the value of digital journalism, particularly its ability to transcend geographical boundaries. He urged participants to uphold ethical standards, including fact-checking, respecting copyright laws, and being mindful of the impact of reporting on sensitive topics and the importance of privacy. Kaufa also encouraged the journalists to share the knowledge they gained with their colleagues.
The facilitator, Winston Mwale, founder and Editor-in-Chief of Africa Brief, guided participants through a comprehensive range of topics, including the evolution of digital journalism, the importance of digital proficiency, the use of digital tools, effective news dissemination on social media, data collection and analysis, and strategies for dealing with online harassment and cyberbullying. He also discussed best practices for protecting personal data and maintaining privacy.
Mwale echoed Kaufa’s call for action, urging participants to apply the knowledge and skills they acquired and pass them on to others as a way of combating online abuse against female journalists.
One of the participants, Yankho Maunjili from Membeke FM, expressed her appreciation, describing the training as timely and impactful.
“It was eye-opening and it came at the right time as the use of digital platforms is growing each day in Malawi, which means the risk of us women journalists getting attacked and harassed is getting bigger as well,” she said.
The activity is part of a UNESCO-funded project under the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), which aims to strengthen the capacity of community media houses and promote sustainable operations.
A similar workshop was conducted in the Northern region, and another is yet to take place in the Southern region.
