Media Practitioners Discuss Gender Equality in Arua City

Arua City, Uganda – April 3, 2025 – Media practitioners from various media houses in Arua City, together with representatives from the Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA) and Mama FM, gathered at Crane Resort Hotel to deliberate on the progress, milestones, and challenges in advancing gender equality within the media industry.
The high-level engagement provided a platform for key stakeholders to assess the strides made in promoting gender inclusivity in media spaces and to address persisting challenges hindering equal representation and participation. 

The event also attracted representatives from organizations such as the Danish Embassy in Uganda (@DKinUganda), the African Centre for Media Excellence (@ACME_Africa), and the Uganda Guild of Editors (@GuildUganda), all of whom underscored the importance of fostering a balanced media environment.
Speaking at the forum, media professionals highlighted the need for more female representation in editorial leadership, equal employment opportunities, and gender-sensitive reporting. 

They also acknowledged significant achievements, such as increased female journalists in newsrooms and the rise of gender-focused programming on radio and television. However, key challenges such as gender bias in media content, unequal pay, and workplace harassment remain pressing concerns.
UMWA representatives emphasized the role of media in shaping public perception and policy on gender issues, calling for continued advocacy and capacity building to empower female journalists and ensure that gender perspectives are mainstreamed in media practices. 

Additionally, participants explored strategies to enhance mentorship programs for young female media practitioners and encourage media houses to adopt policies that promote gender equality.
The discussions concluded with a call to action for media houses, policymakers, and advocacy groups to collaborate in creating a media landscape that upholds fairness, inclusivity, and professionalism. 

Participants also urged continued engagement through similar forums to track progress and foster a culture of gender equity in Uganda’s media sector.
As gender equality remains a fundamental pillar of sustainable development, such initiatives are instrumental in driving positive change and ensuring that media remains a powerful tool for social transformation.