Workshop Charts Roadmap for Gender Equality in Media

(JUBA CITY) – The National Editors’ Forum (NEF), in collaboration with the Female Journalists Network and with support from Journalists for Human Rights (JHR), has held a one day workshop to advance the implementation of the Media Gender Policy (2021) across South Sudan’s newsrooms.

The policy, originally developed by the Female Journalists Network, was formally adopted by NEF in November 2025. The workshop brought together female journalists and editors to draft a roadmap for disseminating the policy and embedding gender equality practices in media institutions nationwide.

Chuol Jany, Chairperson of NEF and Chief Editor of Catholic Radio Network (CRN), said the policy aims to address persistent challenges in the media sector, including under-representation of women in leadership roles, gender-insensitive reporting, and unsafe working environments.

“On 13 November, NEF officially endorsed the Gender Policy for the Media Sector. This was a historic achievement. It signals our shared recognition that gender equality is not optional but a core principle of responsible journalism and a requirement for a fair, credible media industry,” he said.

Mary Ajith, Programme Manager at JHR, emphasised the importance of promoting gender equality both in newsroom leadership and media content.

As part of the initiative, participants will form a five-member committee responsible for visiting media houses and leading efforts to implement the policy across the country. The initiative aims to create safer, more equitable workplaces while improving the representation of women in media leadership and editorial content.

Officials said the workshop is a step towards building a professional media environment that adheres to international standards for gender equality and ethical reporting in South Sudan.

Workshop Overview