1) Introduction
Rwanda Journalists Association (ARJ), conducted a one-day training session for journalists. The focus of this session was “Women’s Access to Finance: Challenges and Opportunities for Rural Women.”
This training session served as the second part of a series, following a previous one that was recently organized. It brought together a diverse group of 20 journalists, both female and male, representing various media outlets based in Rwanda.
2) Training details
Date: 25 September
Organizer: Rwanda Journalists Association
A total of 20 journalists, comprising 10 men and 10 women, actively participated in the training.
3) Training Objectives
To increase journalists’ knowledge in shaping low-income women’s needs for capital and their ability to obtain it.
To increase journalists’ awareness on their role in substantially increasing formal financial access, including both bank and non-bank financial institutions for women.
To equip journalists with skills to enable them identify, analyze and report on key challenges/barriers to vulnerable women access to finance
To raise awareness of journalists on the existing women financial opportunities in order to help them providing information about those chances to women women
4) Training outcome
Increased knowledge and skills of journalists on advocating for designing appropriate financial products for women to be able to save and borrow;
Increased knowledge and skills of journalists in identify, analyze and report on key challenges/barriers to vulnerable women access to finance
Better understand the role of media in contributing to shaping low-income women’s needs for capital and their ability to obtain it.
Journalists’ awareness on their role in substantially increasing formal financial access, including both bank and non-bank financial institutions for women increased;
Understanding the role of women in the Economic transformation and contribution
Having a better understanding on the women financial environment;
5) Lesson learned
Field visits for trained journalists are essential for gathering authentic data and insights on women’s access to finance. These experiences helped journalists produce more informed and impactful stories that can drive awareness, advocacy, and positive change.
Below are some of the lesson learned from filed the training:
Journalists found that personal stories are more impactful than statistics alone. Hearing about the experiences and struggles of individual women can make the issue more relatable to the audience.
Field visits revealed the cultural and socioeconomic factors that affect women’s access to finance. Understanding these contextual factors is crucial for crafting effective and culturally sensitive stories.
Journalists gained insights into the impact of government policies and financial institutions on women’s access to finance.They also assessed the effectiveness of existing initiatives.
6) Impact and News Stories
Each trained journalist produced a feature article/story on women access to finance:Challenges and opportunities
Field visits provided journalists with a firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by women in accessing financial services. It allowed them to see the real-life situations and talk to the women directly affected.
Field visits uncovered success stories of women who have overcome financial obstacles. These success stories can serve as inspiration and examples of what is possible.
The stories generated from field visits are powerful tools for advocacy. Journalists use their reporting to raise awareness about the challenges women face in accessing finance and advocate for change.
7) Trainers and Senior Speakers
Mr Eugen Hagaimana, Lecturer at UR-chool of Journalism and Communication
Ms Akimanaatifat, Senior Journalist
Mr Pascal Habyarimana from Pro-femmes Twese Hamwe
Ms Bishumba Nassira from National Women Council
Some Training Photo
Ms Shakilla Bishumba from National Women Council speaking on National gender policy and existing support for women initiatives and women empowerment programs Senior Journalist Akimana Juliette Latifa sharing with trainees her experience in reporting on women issues and reporting skills. She has 25 years experience in media as a reporter, editor and manager
Mr Pascal Habyarimana from Pro-femmes Twese Hamwe talking on the contribution of civil society and women organizations to shaping rural women’s needs for capital and their ability to obtain it. Mr Emmanuel Habumuremyi in his welcoming speech urged trainees to always take into account the professional ethics and not be driven by emotions
Training 04: Training on descent job for unemployed youth: business opportunities through cooperatives and ICT development in Rwanda (6 women, 14 men)
1. Introduction
In March 2022, Rwanda Journalist Association organized a one-day training session on on descent job for unemployed youth. The training focused on creating business opportunities through cooperatives and ICT development for unemployed youth in Rwanda. The event brought together 6 women and 14 men, with experts from the Ministry of Public Service and Labor (MIFOTRA), Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA), and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to share their knowledge and insights on existing programs for decent job opportunities.
2. Training details
Date: 17th March 2022
Organizer: Rwanda Journalists Association
The Training brought together 6 women and 14 men
3. Training Objectives
The primary objective of the training was to equip the participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue decent job opportunities.
4. Training outcome
i. Increased Awareness: Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the existing programs and initiatives implemented by the government and CSOs to promote decent job opportunities in Rwanda.
ii. Cooperative Development: The training emphasized the importance of cooperative development as a means to create sustainable business ventures. Participants learned about the benefits of cooperative enterprises and how to establish and manage them effectively.
iii. ICT Skills Enhancement: The training highlighted the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in fostering entrepreneurship and creating employment opportunities. Participants received practical training on various ICT tools and platforms that could support their business ventures.
iv. Networking Opportunities: The training provided a platform for participants to network with experts from MIFOTRA, RCA, and CSOs. This facilitated the exchange of ideas and potential collaborations for future projects and initiatives.
5. Lessons Learned
Several valuable lessons emerged from the training:
1. Collaboration is Key: The involvement of multiple stakeholders, including government agencies and CSOs, enhanced the effectiveness of the training program. Collaborative efforts can bring together diverse expertise and resources to address unemployment challenges more comprehensively.
2. Holistic Approach: The training emphasized the need to address both technical skills and entrepreneurial mindset development. By focusing on cooperative models and ICT skills, participants were equipped with a broader skill set necessary for sustainable job creation.
6. News Stories and Impact:
Following the training, a total of 20 news stories were aired and published across various media platforms. These stories highlighted the success stories of participants who utilized their newfound knowledge and skills to establish cooperative enterprises and leverage ICT for business development. The stories also shed light on the collaborative efforts of ARJ, MIFOTRA, RCA, and CSOs in promoting decent job opportunities for unemployed youth.
7. Trainers and Senior Speakers