IPS Africa puts gender on the agenda

Ferial Haffajee

"Africa Day is a good opportunity to highlight the fact that the voices of more than half of the continent's population remain muted in the media. Our challenge goes beyond raising their voices - we need to ensure that women are active participants in the debates around political, social and economic developments on the continent," said IPS Africa regional director, Paula Fray.

Haffajee, the outgoing editor of the Mail & Guardian who will take up a new post as editor of the City Press next month, will be speaking, addressing: "Women on the Frontline: Africa's Challenges and Opportunities".

The public forum plans to mark the launch of the development news agency's Gender Wire. Under the banner "Giving Voice to Gender Equality," IPS Africa will also be hosting a workshop with editors, senior reporters and gender organisations to review the existing editorial challenges and opportunities on the continent.

"Inter Press Service (IPS) has long been committed to ensuring improved coverage of gender issues in the media. The MDG3 project has given us an opportunity to expand this coverage, develop and share best practices with other media as well as work closely with civil society in ensuring women's voices are heard," said Fray.

The Africa Day Forum is open to all.

For more information, contact Abdullah Vawda on tel: +27 (0)11 325 2671, cell +27 (0)73 841 5046 or email .