Women journalists in Meru have launched a Community-Based Organisation (CBO) aimed at creating a strong network to empower women in the media industry, promote professionalism and ethical journalism, and create opportunities for members.
Speaking during the launch, the CBO Chairperson Catherine Mugure said the occasion marked more than just the launch of an organisation, but a celebration of the vision, journey and commitment of women journalists towards building a strong platform for women in Meru and beyond.
Mugure said the achievement demonstrated what women could accomplish when they came together with a common purpose, determination and unity.
“To our members, thank you for believing in this vision. Your ideas, contributions and commitment have played a big role in making this a reality,” she said.
She said the organisation seeks to establish a strong network where women journalists can support and empower one another, share opportunities, promote professionalism and ethical journalism, and champion positive change in society.
Mugure also called on partners and stakeholders to support the organisation as it works towards achieving its objectives.
Meru Press Club Chairperson David Muchui congratulated the women journalists, describing the establishment of the CBO as an achievement towards a dream that began when the Meru Press Club was formed in 2019.
Muchui said Mugure was among the founding members of the press club, whose vision was to see journalists work together in solidarity and harness their collective strengths to achieve more.
“The establishment of the Meru Women Journalists is part of the achievement of that dream,” he said.
Media Council of Kenya Director Victor Bwire commended the journalists for thinking beyond the newsroom, saying they had responsibilities to meet as professionals and parents.
Bwire encouraged journalists to embrace financial literacy, noting that financial empowerment would enable them to build their personal brands and earn greater respect from their sources and audiences.
He said journalists needed to explore opportunities outside traditional newsroom employment, adding that personal branding and visibility required investment and sustainable income-generating arrangements.
“This is a great step and MCK will support you as it has done since 2019,” Bwire said.
He assured the group that the Media Council of Kenya would support them through training on media visibility and content monetisation.
Bwire also urged journalists to venture into solution-based journalism while maintaining professionalism and adherence to ethical standards.
The Deputy Governor of Meru County, Linda Kiome, who was the chief guest, congratulated the women journalists on the formation of the CBO and assured them of the county government’s “unequivocal and unwavering support.”
Kiome urged Mugure to work closely with the organisation’s council members in implementing her vision, saying the chairperson had the responsibility of providing direction while working with the team to achieve the group’s objectives.
“As a chair, you are a vision carrier for the group,” she said, urging members to remain focused on their goals.
She further called on stakeholders and members to support the organisation as it grows, saying teamwork and commitment would be crucial in turning its vision into reality.
Kiome challenged the leadership to work collectively and support one another in delivering the dreams and objectives of the newly launched CBO.
by Dickson Mwiti
