Nairobi: Women journalists in Meru have launched a Community-Based Organisation (CBO) aimed at creating a strong network to empower women in the media industry, promote professionalism and ethical journalism, and create opportunities for members. Speaking during the launch, the CBO Chairperson Catherine Mugure expressed that the occasion represented more than just the inauguration of an organisation, but a celebration of the vision, journey, and commitment of women journalists towards building a robust platform for women in Meru and beyond.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mugure highlighted that the achievement demonstrated what women could accomplish when they united with a common purpose, determination, and unity. She expressed gratitude to the members for their belief in the vision and their significant contributions, which played a pivotal role in realizing this initiative. The organisation is designed to establish a strong network where women journalists can support and empower each other, share opportunities, and champion positive change in society.
Meru Press Club Chairperson David Muchui congratulated the women journalists, describing the establishment of the CBO as a step towards fulfilling a dream that started with the formation of the Meru Press Club in 2019. Muchui acknowledged Mugure as one of the founding members of the press club and recognized her vision of journalists working together in solidarity to harness collective strengths for greater achievements.
Media Council of Kenya Director Victor Bwire commended the journalists for thinking beyond the newsroom, emphasizing their responsibilities as professionals and parents. He encouraged them to embrace financial literacy to build personal brands and gain respect from sources and audiences. Bwire highlighted the importance of exploring opportunities outside traditional newsroom employment and assured the group of support from the Media Council of Kenya through training on media visibility and content monetisation.
The Deputy Governor of Meru County, Linda Kiome, who was the chief guest, congratulated the women journalists on forming the CBO and offered the county government’s unequivocal support. Kiome urged Mugure to collaborate closely with the organisation’s council members to implement her vision, emphasizing the chairperson’s role in providing direction and working with the team to achieve the group’s objectives. She called on stakeholders and members to support the organisation’s growth, stressing the importance of teamwork and commitment in turning its vision into reality.
