Finding Support Through Connection – For Vivian Nandege, an Early Warning Monitoring Fellow from Yei, the fellowship created an opportunity to connect with other female journalists and learn how to respond when challenges arise in the profession, reports DEBORAH YAR.
Through the program, fellows from different parts of South Sudan were able to share experiences and discuss the risks female journalists often face while doing their work.
“The fellowship helped us connect with other female journalists,” Vivian explains. “We were able to learn from each other and from FIDA about how to handle challenges.”
Learning Protection Procedures
One of the most important aspects of the fellowship for Vivian was learning about protection mechanisms and the procedures journalists can follow when facing threats or harassment.
During the sessions, fellows discussed how to report incidents and where to seek help when they encounter difficulties in their work.
“It opened my eyes and gave me information on what to do when something happens,” Vivian says.
Knowing that there are people and institutions ready to support journalists has given her greater confidence to continue her work.
Building a Network Across Counties
The fellowship also helped strengthen connections among female journalists within Yei and surrounding areas.
Through a shared WhatsApp group, journalists from different counties are now able to communicate, share updates, and discuss the challenges they face in their work.
“Before this, I didn’t know what was happening to female journalists in other places,” Vivian says. “Now we can connect, share information, and support each other.”
For Vivian, this network has become an important space where women journalists can discuss issues openly and find solutions together.
Continuing to Learn
Vivian believes the fellowship has only been the beginning.
She hopes similar programs will continue so female journalists can keep learning, sharing experiences, and strengthening their professional networks.
“Honestly speaking, the fellowship has been very important to me,” she says. “We still want to learn more and continue engaging with people who can guide us.”
Across South Sudan, fellows like Vivian are helping build a stronger support network for women journalists—one that promotes safety, collaboration, and professional growth.
