Though it may not sound like an earth-shattering occurrence, the Botswana Television media worker believes she gained a better sense of herself – professionally as well as personally – at the IWMF’s recent Carole Simpson Leadership Institute (CSLI). The three-day training session, which was held in December in Kenya, allowed Phirie to take a crucial step toward connecting with other people, she said.
“It makes a lot of sense to first understand oneself before attempting to understand others,” she wrote in an e-mail. “My biggest take-home was the skills relevant for strengthening my capacity to manage my own life, career and entire social being.”
Launched in 1998 to help move women into leadership positions in the media, CSLI aims to develop a network of women media managers across Africa. The program is named after Carole Simpson, a veteran American broadcaster who provided seed funding for the program.
Employing methods such as group work, interactive exercises and videos, facilitators Jerusha Arothe-Vaughan and Aulora Stally shared information about such topics as understanding diversity, communicating effectively and managing stress.
“The most valuable thing I learned was assertiveness, taking charge of my life both at work and at home,” said Linda Keya, a reporter at The Standard in Kenya.
Aside from informational talks on practical career and personal development skills, the recent CSLI session featured a visit to Women Fighting AIDS in Kenya, a national non-governmental organization established to provide quality care, support and empowerment to women and children living with or impacted by HIV/AIDS.
Despite the positively received training session, women in Africa’s media industry still face challenges. Keya acknowledged that press freedom is a big issue, particularly in Africa. Phirie also described obstacles.
“As someone reporting on HIV and AIDS issues, I meet different forms of stereotypes and biases (cultural, gender etc.),” she wrote. "...In addition, there are instances when I feel I am not getting the accurate facts surrounding an issue.”
But Phirie is optimistic that empowering journalists through CSLI training session can use journalism to help raise awareness about health issues in Africa.
“I am convinced that the media can play a positive role of reporting on HIV and AIDS, malaria and TB issues,” she said. “The voice of the media can provoke responsible action, attitudes and belief that something can be done to address the situation. The media can also disseminate accurate information that will dispel myths, misconceptions and address stigma and discrimination.”
Both Phirie and Keya said they are already using what they learned at CSLI in their work, and Phirie noted that she is sharing information with co-workers “to strengthen women in their roles as leaders and decision makers.”
“It’s good to feel, know and take charge of my own circumstances,” she said. “And to appreciate myself as a woman having special leadership characteristics which can promote social development in a more positive humanistic way.”