Canal France International (CFI), in partnership with the Embassy of France in South Africa and Gender Links, marked the successful conclusion of a two-year regional media development programme with a high-level conference in Johannesburg last week.
The event brought together media professionals, journalists, and civil society organisations from across Southern Africa, underscoring France’s continued commitment to strengthening inclusive and gender-sensitive journalism in the region.
French Leadership Driving Media Transformation
The conference prominently highlighted the role of France in advancing gender equality in media, with both CFI and the French Embassy playing a central role in supporting newsroom transformation and journalist training.
In attendance was David Martinon, whose presence reinforced the importance France places on media development, freedom of expression, and gender equality as pillars of democratic societies.
Through this initiative, France has positioned itself as a key partner in supporting ethical, inclusive, and representative media ecosystems across Southern Africa.
Measurable Impact Across the Region
Over the past two years, the programme has delivered tangible results:
- 22 media outlets supported
- More than 100 journalists trained
- Over 300 gender-sensitive stories produced
- Implementation across five countries: Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia
These milestones demonstrate a shift toward more balanced newsroom representation and storytelling that reflects the realities of both women and men.
Voices, Change and the Future of Media
The conference programme featured testimonies from journalists and participating organisations, showcasing how the initiative has reshaped editorial practices and strengthened awareness of gender dynamics in reporting.
Importantly, the event also looked ahead. A closing panel discussion explored the growing challenge of gender-based disinformation in Southern Africa—highlighting the need for continued intervention in the digital media space.
This discussion served as a preview of CFI’s next phase of work in the region, which will focus on combating misinformation while deepening gender-sensitive reporting practices.
Sustaining Momentum
While the conclusion of this project marks a significant milestone, stakeholders emphasised that the journey toward gender equality in media is ongoing. Continued collaboration between international partners, local media, and civil society will be essential to build on these gains.
With strong leadership from France and its partners, the foundation has been laid for a more inclusive, representative, and responsible media landscape across Southern Africa.
