Seven African Women’s Media Groups Launch Coalition to Tackle Funding Crisis
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Seven women-led media and gender-focused organisations have launched the Coalition for Gender Equality and Media Sustainability in Africa (CGEMSA), a continental alliance aimed at strengthening gender equality and the financial survival of independent media.
The coalition was announced on September 30, 2026. Its founding members are African Women in Media (AWiM), the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK), the Ethiopian Media Women Association (EMWA), SisterSpeak 237, the Tanzania Media Women’s Association (TAMWA), the Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA), and Women in Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL). AWiM will serve as the secretariat, handling coordination and administration, while members set strategic direction collectively.
The launch comes as funding for civil society and media shrinks. The official release cites the UN Women report, Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The Gender Snapshot 2026, which surveyed 855 women-led and women’s rights organisations across 52 crisis-affected countries and contexts. It found that 31% had reduced capacity to advocate and 21% had scaled back longer-term gender equality work. Nearly half reported six months or less of operational funding, and two in five considered suspension or closure likely within a year.
On media specifically, the release points to Free Press Unlimited’s 2026 report, which says up to 80% of surveyed independent outlets have been forced to downsize after sudden cuts in international aid.
Queenter Mbori, Executive Director of AMWIK, speaking on behalf of the founding members, said the coalition creates a collective platform to mobilise resources, champion regional collaboration and help member organisations drive change beyond their borders.
Dr Yemisi Akinbobola, Chief Executive Officer of AWiM, said the coalition reflects a shared commitment to sustaining the work already being done, with each member’s expertise and priorities remaining central to its direction.
In the coming months, CGEMSA will focus on deepening collaboration among members, advancing shared advocacy priorities, facilitating knowledge exchange and building partnerships. It plans to engage development partners, donors and private sector stakeholders to mobilise support for gender equality and media sustainability across Africa.
