By Karungi Doreen
The Association of Rwandan Female Journalists (ARFEM) has encouraged girls pursuing a course in Journalism and Communication at East Africa University Rwanda (EAUR) to be confident and pursue a career in journalism, citing that the number of women in the field remains low.
This was highlighted on March 6, 2026, in Kigali during a discussion that brought together experienced journalists and journalism students at East Africa University Rwanda. The meeting was aimed at celebrating International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8.
The chairperson of the Rwanda Media Commission (RMC), Mutesi Scovia when she was talking to Rwanda Television says that, it was important to interact with students pursuing a course of study in journalism, particularly girls, to encourage them to be confident in pursuing a career in the field. She noted that most girls who graduate with a certificate in Journalism and Communication find themselves pursuing careers in other fields, hence the low number of women in the field.
“We engage with students to encourage them to be confident enough to practice journalism. Sometimes, many girls graduate, but when they enter the job market, we do not see them practicing journalism. We remind them that journalism is a practice that can sustain them as well as serve the public.”she says
She added that as journalism practitioners, it is important that they be professional, honest, and provide accurate information to the public, as well as avoid writing stories that may cause fear or harm to the public.
Journalism students who attended the discussions said that it was inspiring for them to be around experienced journalists who motivated future female journalists to continue pursuing their dreams of becoming good journalists.
“It has always been my dream to meet people I grew up watching in the TV’s. The discussions they shared helped me better understand how journalism works and how I can prepare myself while still in school.” One of these students says
Ingabire Egidie Bibio, the Chairperson of ARFEM, says the purpose of this meeting was to encourage young female journalism students that there is no one waiting to reject them, but older women who are ready to receive them into the field.
“We want these students to feel that they have mentors waiting for them in the journalism profession. We are ready to welcome them in major discussions, investigative reporting, and stories that contribute to building strong families and improving social well-being.”
However, she noted that even though there were challenges for women in journalism, there was progress in changing perceptions about women in journalism.
Women in journalism were being recognized based on the quality of their work and professionalism, as opposed to stereotypes or negative attitudes about them in journalism.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration at East African University Rwanda, Peter Gashayija, hailed the initiative, saying it was important for the students as it helped them understand how to prepare for their future careers even as university students.
“It is important for students to interact with professionals who can guide them on how journalism works. This helps them develop their talents and better prepare for the profession while still in university.”
The discussion aimed to help female journalism students understand the opportunities within the profession, encourage them to pursue careers in journalism, and highlight their role in building society through professional and responsible reporting
