Learning Through Shared Experiences: For Simona Ali, an Early Warning Monitoring Fellow from Wau, the fellowship created an opportunity to connect with female journalists from across South Sudan, reports DEBORAH YAR.
Through the program’s discussions and training sessions, participants shared their experiences and explored the challenges women journalists often encounter in their work.
“The fellowship gave us a space to interact with female journalist colleagues from different states,” Simona explains. “Through the sessions we learned more about our work and the challenges we face.”
These exchanges helped participants gain a deeper understanding of the risks affecting female journalists and the importance of supporting one another.
Highlighting Workplace Challenges
During the fellowship discussions, participants spoke openly about issues such as harassment, intimidation, and gender-based violence affecting women working in media.
Through these conversations, fellows learned practical steps to address such challenges and where to seek help when needed.
“We learned the right steps to take and where to seek support, especially on issues like harassment and gender-based violence,” Simona says.
Understanding these procedures has helped participants feel better prepared to respond to difficult situations.
Sharing Knowledge with Colleagues
Simona says the fellowship’s impact has extended beyond the participants themselves.
After each session, she shared what she learned with colleagues at her radio station in Wau, where several other female journalists also work.
“I’m not the only female journalist at my station,” she explains. “We are about four or five women, and I share what I learned so that everyone can benefit.”
By sharing knowledge within their workplaces, fellows are helping spread awareness about professional rights, safety, and protection mechanisms.
Strengthening a National Network
For Simona, one of the most valuable aspects of the fellowship has been the opportunity to build relationships with female journalists from different parts of the country.
For many participants, she says, it was the first time they had the opportunity to interact with colleagues from other states.
This growing network is helping women journalists support each other, share experiences, and work together to address the challenges they face in their profession.
