Building Safer Media Spaces: AMWIK and IMS Ethiopia Share Strategies for Journalist Protection

In a time of increasing threats to press freedom and heightened risks for journalists in East Africa, regional collaboration and shared learning are crucial. AMWIK was honored to host a visit from Elsabet Samuel Tadesse, Programme Officer at International Media Support (IMS) Ethiopia. This visit was part of a two-day event organized with the Editors Guild of Ethiopia (EGE). The event united media professionals dedicated to enhancing journalist safety and supporting media independence in the region.

The discussions were rich and focused on key issues affecting journalists, such as safety protocols, early warning systems, and strategies for building coalitions. Both AMWIK and its Ethiopian partners exchanged experiences and knowledge to tackle the urgent challenges of preserving media freedom in restrictive environments. The conversation highlighted advocacy methods to create a supportive legal and policy framework that ensures freedom of expression and protects journalists’ safety.

AMWIK Executive Director Queenter Mbori emphasized the importance of regional solidarity and peer learning in addressing threats to press freedom and journalist welfare. “Our commitment is to empowering women in media and advocating for safer, inclusive, and independent journalism practices throughout East Africa. These partnerships can strengthen the collective voice for media freedom and journalist protection against the evolving challenges in the media landscape,” she stated.