Lister pushes for gender balance in African investigative journalism

Veteran Namibian journalist and editor Gwen Lister has expressed concern over the low representation of women among entries for the 2024 Wits Centre for Journalism/AIJC African Investigative Journalist of the Year Award.

Lister is serving on the judging panel for the award.

She says only one-third of submissions were from women journalists.

Speaking at the African Investigative Journalism Conference in South Africa on Thursday, Lister said this is insufficient.

The conference, attended by over 400 journalists from the 55 countries in Africa, was hosted by the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.
Lister urged newsrooms to address the gender imbalance.

She called for more active encouragement for women to step into investigative journalism roles and claim their rightful place in the field.
“Of the overall entries, totaling 158, only 61 were from women journalists. Our panel felt they would like to see this number increase substantially in the future.

“And editors and newsrooms alike are urged to redress this imbalance and actively encourage women investigative journalists to take up their rightful places in this craft,” she said.

Lister also said there were few entries from Arabic-speaking outlets, highlighting a disconnect between different regions which needs to be repaired.

According to Lister, the judges felt the entries embodied accountability and impactful journalism, underscoring why journalism remains essential.

“The winner and finalists, along with many other entries, were evidence of the great lengths to which our investigative journalists go to expose wrongdoing, connect the dots and hold the powerful, including corrupt governments and businesses, to account.

“This while seeking justice for the vulnerable and addressing climate change, among others,” she said.

According to Lister, the entries demonstrated a tenacity and ingenuity pervasive throughout African media.

“Also very encouraging was the use of ‘voice’ in a number of pieces, a device which, when used well, really helps connect with their audience.
In addition, the digital forensic skills on show were also extremely impressive,” she added.