Congo-Kinshasa: First Training for Female Journalists in Maniema
By Fathya Waberi

30 March 2007 - (MONUC) On March 23 and 24 2007, the MONUC Maniema Public Information Section, in collaboration with the community radio GUNDA FM, organized a training seminar in the room of the ICG in Kindu for female journalists in the province. The audio visual press initiative, which is the first of its kind, involved over 20 female journalists from Kindu, Kalima and Kasongo.

"This training is important for me. I have been working in the media for the past year, and I have never received any training, and it has given me to new ideas," said Gisèle Munge, who works for RTC Maniema Liberté (RTC -Mali).

And her colleague Jacqueline Kankisingi who works for Radio and Television Kalma (RTC- Kalima) says she is now much better trained.

"Before, when doing reports, I didn't know how to start or how to end, now I'm much more at ease."

These are encouraging signs, as the objective of the seminar is to reinforce the professional capacities for these women to the same level as their male colleagues, and to promote their access to a sector of activity which is one of the pillars of democracy.

The President of the National Congolese Press Union - Maniema division- who came to the launch of the training, said: "equality in this profession is not a given, it must be earned...as such the female journalists here must make an extra personal effort to stand up against the numerous difficulties that exist in the province."

During the first day, the journalists were trained in numerous modules: the definition and diversity of the media, the freedom of the press, journalistic ethics, and reporting and interview techniques.

On the second day, they learned about use of information in certain types of media, and the use and utility of the internet for the local press.

Finally the workshops allowed the setting up of a "Maniema Female Journalists Committee", which will ensure a better future representation of women in media, as well as evaluating their future training needs.

From:http://allafrica.com/stories/200703300697.html