As we close out the year, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the achievements of the African Women in Media community.
This year has been one of growth, resolve, and collective action. Across programmes, partnerships, research, communities of practice, and convenings, AWiM has continued to do what it was created to do: strengthen the ecosystems that enable African women to work, lead, and thrive in and through media.
Our flagship moment this year was AWiM25, convened at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa. Over 300 delegates from 25 countries gathered, comprising media practitioners, policymakers, academics, civil society, technologists, investors, and partners, to move beyond commitments and focus on implementation. The conversations were honest, rigorous, and urgent, reflecting both the progress we have made and the work that remains to be done.
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None of this would have been possible without the trust, collaboration, and support of our partners. We are deeply grateful to the African Union, as well as to our partners and supporters, including Ethiopian Airlines, GIZ, Luminate, MacArthur Foundation, Fojo Media Institute, the Ethiopia Media Women Association, UNESCO, MDIF, WSCIJ, the Global Forum for Media Development, Wits Journalism, and our numerous media and ecosystem partners across the continent and beyond, Fana Broadcasting, Capital Newspaper, Wazema Radio, Association of Media Women in Kenya, The Reporter Newspaper, Ahmara Media Corporate, and YNaija. Your belief in this work and your willingness to stand with us continue to make a tangible difference.
As we look ahead, this moment also marks the formal launch of the AWiM2030 Vision. This is our five-year strategic commitment to building a stronger, safer, and more equitable media ecosystem. It focuses our work on movement-building, policy engagement, knowledge production, and economic empowerment. Over the coming years, AWiM will deepen its role as an ecosystem enabler supporting action, accountability, and sustainable change.
Here are my thoughts on where we are heading in 2026 when it comes to media and gender equality and equity.
This newsletter highlights some of our achievements this year and signals where we are headed next. Thank you for being part of this journey, whether as a member, partner, ally, or supporter. The work continues, and the future we are building is a collective one.
Best wishes for the festive season and a peaceful, prosperous New Year.
Prof. Yemisi
