Nepal Chapter
Safer Internet Day- Initiative of Awareness on Digital Harassment and its Prevention (Feb 13, 2025)
On Safer Internet Day 2025, to aware about the role of Media persons in expanding the awareness level especially among children(male/female) and women, a crucial event was organized jointly by IAWRT Nepal Chapter and Voice of Children (VOC). Organized on 13th of February at Alpha House, Kathmandu, more than 50 journalists made it to the event. President of Federation of Journalists in Nepal Ms. Nirmala Sharma & Chairperson of National Woman Commission Kamala Kumari Parajuli graced the event with the key presentations while other presentations were delivered by National Cyber Bureau, Voice of Children and IAWRT Nepal too. Vice President of IAWRT Nepal Chapter Ms. Deepanjali Lama presented about the context in Nepal.
In addition to electricity and development, events of abuse of internet-based harassment has grown. Stakeholders and media should stand strong for today’s digital education to reduce such incidents through various platform of the Internet.
Digital Seminar ‘Urgency for Woman Journalist’s Safety and Security’ (15 March 2025)
IAWRT International hosted a virtual Seminar on 15
th March 2025 with the theme of Safety and Security of Women Journalists in various region. IAWRT Nepal Secretary Manita Pokharel represented Nepal and presented about current situation in the country. Digital Harassment issues were highlighted, and more progressive situations were delivered. The governmental policies of 33% participation of women in any forum was admired by the international forum.
Nepal Chapter had the pride in sharing the recent news about the newly elected president of Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Ms. Nirmala Sharma creating the history as first female elected in such reputed position.
Nepal’s Participation in 20th Asian Women’s Film Festival, India- (6-8 March, 2025)
IAWRT Nepal Chapter took an opportunity of attending 3 days 20th Asian Women’s Film Festival organized by the IAWRT Chapter India at India International Center, New Delhi, India from 6th to 8th March 2025. Representing Nepal, the president of Nepal Chapter Ms. Ichchha Gurung and Ms. Sandhya Thapa, Board Member participated in the event, engaging with filmmakers, watching movies made by professional and new female filmmakers from across Asia. Through the participation, IAWRT-Nepal reaffirmed its commitment to promoting women’s voices by cinema and strengthening women’s network across border. Over the course of three days, 65 films from 21 countries were showcased.
The film screenings took place at the CD Deshmukh Auditorium and Conference Hall No. 1, where attending filmmakers were introduced before their screenings, followed by an interactive Q&A session that allowed the audience to engage with the creators.
It was an immense pride and joy to have two Nepali films showcased at the festival—”Chesang” by Rajeela Shrestha and “The Call” by Jyotsana Simha Thakuri. The film was applauded by the diverse women which is quite an achievement for whole IAWRT Nepal.
Over the three days, attendees had the opportunity to watch films, participate in panel discussions and Master Classes, connect with fellow filmmakers, and engage with film enthusiast.
Board Member Sandhya Thapa reflected on the festival, stating, “Cinema Pe Cinema by Vani Subramanian sheds light on issues surrounding cinema theatres in India, while the closing film, The Night of Knowing Nothing by Payal Kapadia, presented a next-level juxtaposition of screenplay and narration.”
President Ichchha Gurung shared her thoughts on the hospitality and her second-time experience, stating, “It feels great to be surrounded by creative women. Over the course of these three days, it was a supreme sense of knowledge gain and experience sharing. Likewise, dedicating a spot where visitors can witness the phases of Saheli is remarkable. The paper, popular for strengthening women’s voices, is given such a platform to celebrate the deeds of past women and their concepts. It’s truly commendable.”
In conclusion, the 20th Asian Women’s Film Festival organized by IAWRT Chapter India provided a precious platform for women filmmakers across Asia to showcase their work and engage in creative discussions. IAWRT-Nepal’s participation not only highlighted the talents within Nepal but also reaffirmed its dedication to promoting women’s voices through cinema and extending cross-border collaborations.
Partnership with Kathmandu PinkCareAthon (March 22, 2025)
With the aim to promote Woman Empowerment, a healthy lifestyle for women, and inspire them for selfcare, the “Kathmandu Pink CareAthon,” was scheduled for March 22
nd, 2025, at Jawalakhel Football Ground. IAWRT Nepal supported the event whole heartedly beyond just being Media and Publicity Partner. The event had other strong partners as well through will wider visibility and networking opportunities were created. Leisure Port Nepal organized the Kathmandu Pinkathon for three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019 and then resumed in 2024 after interruptions due to Covid Pandemic.
A three-kilometer run, a five-kilometer run, a ten-kilometer run, and a 21-kilometre run started from the Jawalakhel Football Ground. Open to women of all age groups, the initiative encouraged them to prioritize their well-being despite their busy daily routines.
Philippines Chapter
1. Significant Events Held by the Chapter
The IAWRT Philippines chapter convened its General Assembly in December 2024. This assembly served as a platform for the election of a new set of officers, charting the course for the chapter’s future endeavors. A significant portion of the assembly was dedicated to the critical discussion of emerging threats to journalist safety. The discussions were particularly salient considering the upcoming midterm and BARMM elections, alongside escalating political tensions. These tensions stem from the discord between the incumbent president and the vice president, the daughter of former President Duterte, who is currently facing charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
2. Important Research/Reports Produced by the Chapter
In 2023, IAWRT Philippines, in collaboration with International Media Support, released an important manual focusing on the gendered experiences of women journalists under attack. This publication aims to provide crucial guidance and documentation strategies for women journalists facing unique challenges.
Additionally, the chapter published a manifesto advocating for the safety of women journalists covering the elections, emphasizing the need for their protection during sensitive political periods.
Furthermore, IAWRT Philippines issued a formal media statement addressing attempts to discredit Filipino women journalists reporting on the trial of former President Duterte at the ICC, reaffirming its commitment to journalistic integrity and safety.
3. Interventions in the Field with Possible Impacts
In November 2024, IAWRT Philippines stood in solidarity with the media community by attending the trial of detained journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio. The chapter has consistently advocated for her release, including joining calls from other media organizations. Frenchie Mae Cumpio faced the court for the third time on March 24, 2025Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AB8LLe58K/
Furthermore, IAWRT Philippines, in partnership with the British Embassy Manila, conducted a crucial safety training program on March 8-9, 2025, with a specific focus on the upcoming BARMM elections. The second day of the training included a public forum, extending the reach of the program to students and the wider community.
IAWRT Philippines, in collaboration with the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, was also invited to speak on journalist safety at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines on March 26, 2025, further contributing to the education and awareness of this critical issue.
Tanzania Chapter
IAWRT Tanzania and University of Tanzibar – Suza
IAWRT Tanzania was invited by the State University of Zanzibar – SUZA, School of journalism and Communication to give a presentation on public speaking to talk about journalism and professionalism. IAWRT Tanzania Chapter Head Fatuma Matulanga facilitated the session and spoke about how to be competent and stand out in the field after graduation.
Some students were nervous because statistics showed that most female students, after graduation, don’t work as journalists and choose to be in public relations or information officers. Some of the reasons identified were low payments, complications of working environment and fear of sexual harassment in the newsrooms where an average of 41% of women journalists worldwide had experienced verbal or physical harassment in the work place.
In public speaking, Fatuma emphasized the need for both female and male journalism students to be competent when they entered the profession. Because always hard work pays as well as to focus on their goals. She mentioned that challenges were everywhere or in any field. It didn’t matter whether it was in journalism, law, finance, etc. When such kind of challenges happened, they had to focus on professionalism and not allow anyone to destroy their dreams.
Practicing journalism ethics, having acquired journalism certificates, learning new technology in the field, creativity, specializing in a certain field, e.g., finance journalist, environmental journalist, health journalist, etc. Gives journalists wide opportunities in the field because the world still needs experts in various sectors in order to overcome the challenges that are facing. Being a specialised and specialist journalist may also overcome harassment which female journalists encounter because their work will be visible more than if some of their colleagues are trying to pull them back and finally win, Fatuma Emphasised.
IAWRT Tanzania and AWHSN
International Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) Tanzania in collaboration with Women in Herbs, Spices and Natural products (AWHSN) organised and moderated sessions to commemorate the International Women’s Day(IWD) for women Herbs and Spices producers , sellers and businesses to prepare them for the international export market and businesses. To “Accelerate Action: Collective Action to Empower Women Spices and Herbs Producers Access Markets”. Through capacity building knowledge on Investor Readiness. How to Access Markets, Branding, and Global Networking.
Collaborated with Discover Africa Through Technology Podcast, JIKA, TKU, and Integrated Empowerment Initiative to train business women to use KAIZEN to incorporate continuous improvement on work and efficiency into their business operations.
Partnered with ARSO to train women in international quality certification. ARSO Quality Certification Process and Certification criteria. African Spices Certification where over 100 women Spice farmers, producers, and businesswoman were awarded certificates.
Nurturing and Mentorship
Conducted a Nurturing and Mentorship programme for 8 young women journalists in radio (traditional and online) and bloggers.
Result:
- One of the mentees Esther Baraka from Afya Radio received a Regional Award in recognition of her contributions in gender programming
- The programme empowered young women journalists who did not have employment by creating their own blogs.
Physical Mentorship In Mwanza At An Opening Environment. The Mentee is Esther Baraka, Mwanza Regional Gender Media Award Winner
PARTICIPATION IN BEIJING 30 CELEBRATION
- PROGRAMME MAKING: produced programmes and aired through existing programmes on Radio, Television and Social Media
- Participated in special programme and exclusive interviews
AWARDS:
Our Founder President Rose Haji Mwalimu received an accolade of KINARA WA BEIJING 1995 (PIONEERS OF BEIJING 1995) by Women Fund Tanzania (WFT)
World Press Freedom Day 2025
- Inducted as member of Preparatory Committee in World Press Freedom Day 2025.
- IAWRT was among the presenters on side events to prepare and present the report on Mapping and Monitoring Online Violations of women in media a research conducted by IAWRT Kenya.
Networking
Attended various conferences on Women Leadershi and others, towards prepartory elections 2025 and others. Gender Festival At Tgnp Grounds Dar Es Salaam. Gestured In The Front Is IAWRT Members Rose Haji Mwalimu, Betty Tesha In White Tshirt And Right Is Stella Setumbi
Gender Festival At Tgnp Premise Dar Es Saam: Session On Women Leadership 2025
In The Picture: Left Is IAWRT Member Rose Haji Mwalimu, Judica Losai And TAMWA Member Kulthum AIi
