GIVE TO GAIN: HONOURING THE COURAGE, SACRIFICE AND RESILIENCE OF WOMEN IN MEDIA
By Nankwanga Eunice Kasirye, Chapter Head, International Association of Women in Radio and
Television Uganda Chapter
As the global community commemorates International Women’s Day 2026, the International
Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) Uganda Chapter joins voices around the
world in reflecting on this year’s theme: “Give To Gain.” This theme powerfully captures the
spirit of the work that women in media undertake every day, often quietly, without recognition,
but always with profound impact on the societies they serve.
Throughout the first week of March, the IAWRT Uganda Chapter carried out a seven-day digital
campaign on https://x.com/iawrt_ug and https://www.facebook.com/IAWRTUG designed to
spotlight the lived realities of women working across the media landscape. The campaign
sought to bring attention to both the visible and invisible sacrifices women journalists make to
ensure that stories continue to reach the public.
Behind every headline, every radio bulletin, every television broadcast, and every documentary
are women who give more than their professional skills. They give their time, courage,
emotional strength, and sometimes even their personal dreams so that society can gain access
to truth, accountability, and informed public dialogue.
Our campaign highlighted several groups of women journalists whose contributions often
remain overlooked.
We honoured women journalists reporting from conflict and crisis environments, and the
families who live daily with the anxiety that accompanies such assignments. Their courage
ensures that the world does not turn away from injustice and that communities affected by
conflict are not forgotten.
We also stood in solidarity with freelance women journalists, many of whom work under
precarious conditions. Some are paid only minimal amounts per story, while others face the
discouraging reality of having their bylines stolen or their work published without proper
compensation. Despite these challenges, they continue to pursue stories that matter, driven by
the belief that persistence and integrity will eventually open doors.
Our campaign also amplified the voices of journalists reporting on gender-based violence,
many of whom carry the emotional burden of telling deeply painful stories while navigating
similar experiences themselves. These women often report on trauma, injustice, and survival
while lacking adequate professional and psychosocial support systems to protect their own
well-being.
We recognized women journalists working in rural and underserved communities, where
limited access to reliable internet, electricity, equipment, transportation, and professional
training can make the practice of journalism particularly difficult. In some areas, entrenched
cultural attitudes still question whether women should even pursue careers in journalism. Yet
these journalists remain steadfast in their commitment to ensuring that the voices and realities
of their communities are heard.
Finally, we honoured women working in broadcast media, the faces and voices audiences
encounter daily on television and radio. While viewers and listeners see confidence and
composure, many of these professionals navigate intense pressures from rigid appearance
expectations to demanding work schedules while trying to balance personal aspirations with
the realities of the media industry.
Across all these experiences, one truth stands out clearly: women in media give far more than
what the public often sees.
They give courage where there is fear.
They give voice where there is silence.
They give visibility where there is invisibility.
They give resilience where systems fall short.
And because they give, society gains.
Society gains stories that challenge injustice and demand accountability.
Society gains perspectives that expand public understanding and empathy.
Society gains stronger democracies built on informed citizens and inclusive dialogue.
At the IAWRT Uganda Chapter, we believe that strengthening women’s participation in media is
not simply a matter of representation. It is about building fair, inclusive, and ethical media
ecosystems where women journalists can work safely, receive fair compensation, and pursue
their careers without sacrificing their dignity, security, or personal aspirations.
As we mark International Women’s Day 2026, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting
women in media through advocacy, mentorship, professional development, and solidarity
networks that ensure no woman journalist walks her professional journey alone.
The stories of women journalists are not merely media stories.
They are stories of resilience, courage, and transformation.
And when we give to women in media, through opportunity, fairness, and respect, the entire
society gains.
Happy International Women’s Day 2026.
