Women in media host second edition
• By Confidente Reporter
THE second edition of the Women in Media Conference will take place in Windhoek tomorrow under the theme ‘Alike in so many ways’.
The conference looks to foster a strong network amongst women working in the Namibian media industry and those in the corporate sector.
The purpose of the conference is to assist women in media to have more access to representation, content and opportunities within the industry.
Event organiser, Limba Mupetami says that the second edition is going to be very different from the inaugural edition because they have incorporated women from the corporate sector as well.
She added that both groups are so similar in a sense that they have the same challenges.
“I think in a way we all face the same challenges. Let’s talk about them and let’s find ways in which we can offer assistance to one another to succeed in these two industries.
At the end of the day, we are really alike in so many ways.
“It is important that at the end of the event, students in attendance as well can walk away with positive thoughts in regard to what the media and corporate world offers. I hope the speakers can offer a more realistic and refreshing view, showing women as active rather than passive, as heroes not victims,” Mupetami said.
She added that some of the key points to be discussed at the conference will emphasise on the fostering of a positive work environment for women in media.
“Young women getting into the industry should be able to feel comfortable in reaching out. If they need help or guidance on how to approach sources, they should be able to ask experts in the same line of work without any feeling of rejection.”
Gwen Lister will be the main speaker at the conference. Lister’s journalism career has spanned four decades since she started her political reporting in 1975 at the height of South African occupation of Namibia.
Other speakers include, Menesia Muinjo, chief news and programming officer – who heads the NBC’s core business area – providing direction and leadership to production teams for integrated news and programmes planning; development production for radio, television and digital platforms.
Others will be Paulina Elago, secretary for the Southern African Customs Union Secretariat.
Prior to heading the SACU secretariat, Elago served as the Tanzania country director for TradeMark East Africa; and veteran journalist Nomhle Kangootui who has been in the media industry for the past 20 years.
She joined the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation in 1997 and served the institution in different capacities.
Selma Kaulinge who is the manager for communications and public relations at Nedbank Namibia is also a speaker.
Kaulinge has a career which spans 10 years across the fields of journalism, public relations, and corporate communication.
Nedbank is the main sponsor of the event with Kaulinge, adding that the bank decided to once again sponsor this event due to the success and reception of its debut last year.
“The Women in Media event is an important platform for women in the field of journalism to not only network, but to share their stories in hopes of fostering positive change for women who work in media.”
Other sponsors include Anheuser-Busch InBev, Gondwana, Namibia Wildlife Resorts, Pupkewitz Motors and Sugar King.