Women Meeting the Challenge: A Handbook for Media Leadership
The Importance of Networking

In many newsrooms throughout Africa, women often feel isolated and alone. They are not included in the informal networks that men take part in. Nor is it always appropriate for women to go to lunch or socialize after hours with their male colleagues. Yet, the information exchanged at such out-of-the-office gatherings is valuable. It is within these informal networks that men enhance their own visibility, promote their triumphs and share their challenges. When women aren't included, they miss out on potentially vital information that could help with career development.

While it is important for women to network with men, and with other women on a one-to-one basis, it is critical for women to develop formal networks. "The interaction between African women journalists is very important because we must increase our knowledge of each other," says Ana Lucie Kere of Burkino Faso.

"It's very important for all of us to realise and remind ourselves that we're not the only ones experiencing the difficulties that we're feeling," Libby Lloyd of South Africa said. "It's not us that's the problem, it's the system." And women need to work together to change the system; individual action alone is never enough.

Mike Siluma, editor of the Sowetan in South Africa and one of the several male journalists who particpated in the CLSI seminar, agrees. "Because most of the media is dominated by men, I think that we can talk until we are blue in the face. Nothing is going to happen until women organise themselves and lobby both within the particular media organisations that they work in, and in the industry as a whole."

The Benefits of Networking:

study company policies to determine if they hinder women from advancing help companies develop and adopt new policies on affirmative action, family friendly workplaces and support for training programs

share strategies for dealing with the obstacles faced in the work place and the challenges of balancing work and family

help each other focus their career goals and develop new skills

There are a number of strong and active women's media networks in Africa and more are being formed everyday. If you are not already a member of one of these organisations, find out if there is one in your area. If not consider forming one of your own. You can start small by meeting during your lunch break or after work in someone's home.

The goal is to find ways for women to share information and support with each other. Women's networks often discuss common work concerns and strategise on how to overcome these issues. They invite successful women leaders to share their stories and insights, and form bonds of support for risk-taking and career development.