AMWIK CONVENES INCEPTION MEET AND GREET EVENT FOR MEMBERS
AMWIK convened its first member’s Meet and Greet and induction ceremony for over 120 members across the country at Qaribu Inn Hotel in Nairobi. The engagement allowed the members to network and interact with the AMWIK board and secretariat while engaging in discussions on emerging challenges facing women in media.
The outdoor event was held on the grounds which provided ample space for the members to mingle in the expansive cheese tent. The sitting space was a mixture of chairs and haystacks which provided a relaxing aura.
After the arrival and registration of the members, the event began with introductions of all the members before the remarks by Patience, Nyange, the Executive Director. She appealed for unity among the members and collaborative strength. “I want to make sure we take AMWIK to where IT needs to be. So we must all move in the same direction, working together to shape standards and rules that define our interests and strength. AMWIK can only be as good or as bad as the make-up of its membership.” She said.
After her remarks, an AMWIK contracted independent researcher read out the findings of a membership satisfaction survey conducted on behalf of the association. The survey aims to align AMWIK strategies to focus on driving satisfaction and engagement with our members and partners. The research findings are a key resource in alignment with the strategic plan(2021-2026) which focuses on driving partner value and enhancing organization sustainability.
After the presentation of the findings, there was a keynote speech by the chief guest, Ambassador (Dr) Amina Mohammed who challenged women in media to be open to changing times in the industry. “Nothing in life is certain, we need to be open to and anticipate change as a part of life to be able to survive.” She said. Ambassador (Dr) Amina Mohammed also recognized the work done by the AMWIK Board and Secretariat and the organizing committee in putting the event together and wished the organization future success.
After the keynote speech, there was a panel discussion under the title, Beyond the Newsroom: Opportunities for women in media. Members of the Panel included: Samburu West MP, Hon. Naisuula Lesuuda, Pinky Ghelani, Carol Mandi, Janet Machuka and Rose Lukalo and was moderated by Olive Gachara.
The panel sought to explore potential areas where women can explore and excel beyond newsrooms, depending on their interests and skills. Some of the key take-out areas in the conversation were, entrepreneurship and how women can start their own media businesses and be their own bosses, opportunities in advertising and marketing, public relations and managing clients’ public image and reputation, podcasting and digital media opportunities and taking up freelance work in a variety of media-related fields.
Afterwards, there was a team building and networking session moderated by Steve Mato Mato before the formation of county chapters and identification of the county leaders.
