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Naija Feminists Media (NFM) has called for increased investment in women-led newsrooms and greater recognition of stories about women as developmental issues in the African media landscape. The organisation’s Founding Director, Simbiat Bakare, made the call at the 22nd African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC), which was held from November 10 to 12, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya.
The 2026 AIJC brings together 450 journalists, editors, media professionals, and investigative reporting experts from across 50 countries in Africa and beyond to exchange knowledge, strengthen investigative journalism, and explore emerging challenges in the media industry. The conference features discussions and training on issues including gender and artificial intelligence, data journalism, cross-border investigations, journalists’ safety and environmental reporting.
NFM Simbiat Bakare advocates for recognition of women’s stories as developmental issues during a panel session at AIJC. Photo source: Naija Feminists Media
During a panel hosted by the Pulitzer Center in collaboration with African Women in News, which examined the experiences of Women in Journalism, Simbiat contributed to the discussion by highlighting the structural and resource-related challenges confronting women-led newsrooms across Africa, particularly feminist media organisations working at the intersection of journalism and social advocacy.
She identified limited funding as a significant challenge for feminist media platforms working to amplify women’s voices and address broader social issues through journalism. Simbiat urged funders to increase investment in women-led newsrooms, while calling on award judges to recognise stories about women as developmental issues rather than treat them as less significant within mainstream journalism.
She also encouraged more women to take ownership of their narratives by committing to telling their own stories and ensuring that women’s experiences and concerns receive greater visibility in the media.
NFM’s Founder, Simbiat Bakare, urging women to tell their own stories during Aga Khan University’s podcast. Photo credit: NFM
Continuing the conversation on women’s representation in journalism, Simbiat spoke on a podcast hosted by Aga Khan University on November 11, 2026, at the AIJC. She expanded the discussion on the experiences, contributions, and challenges of women in the media industry.
“Media plays a central role in promoting gender equality and sustainable development. As such, journalism is incomplete and unethical if women’s stories are not given the priority, recognition, and support they deserve,” Simbiat said.
