A three-day media training program bringing together 20 female journalism students from four Rwandan universities was officially launched on Monday, January 26, 2026, in Kigali. The initiative is organized by Ishya Media Ltd in partnership with Fojo Media Institute.
The participants, drawn from Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK), the University of Rwanda (UR), East African University Rwanda (EAUR), and Mount Kigali University, are all members of their institutions’ Gender Clubs. The program focuses on strengthening practical journalism skills, enhancing media analysis, and promoting gender equality in news coverage and media practice.
According to the organizers, the training also aims to empower young women to use journalism as a tool to influence positive change in Rwandan society by shaping attitudes and professional standards in the media sector.
Students who attended the opening session said the workshop offers a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience and expand their professional networks.
Chancerine Irasubiza, a journalism student at ICK, said she welcomed the chance to learn in an all-female environment. “Most of the trainings I attend are dominated by men, but this time we were only girls. Working together allowed us to gain a lot,” she said, adding that the group plans to share the skills they acquire with other students.
Comfiance Niyogisubizo, from EAUR, described the day as both educational and inspiring. “I gained new knowledge, made new friends, and met people I used to see on television. One key lesson is that as female journalism students, we need to be confident and bold,” she said, noting her intention to apply what she learned in her future work.
Comfiance Niyogisubizo, a journalism student at EAUR
Soleir Ndayisenga, a student at the University of Rwanda, emphasized the practical value of the training. “What we learned, especially about news analysis and promoting gender equality in the media, is essential. This is knowledge I am ready to use in my daily professional activities,” she said.
Deborah Ibyukuru, also from EAUR, said the experience exceeded her expectations. “We were all comfortable and happy. The professionals we met shared valuable experience with us, and we intend to follow their example,” she said.
Jeanne d’Arc Cyuzuzo, Managing Director of Ishya Media Ltd, said the program reflects the organization’s commitment to increasing women’s participation in the media industry. “There are still fewer women than men in the media sector. We want to help young women build their skills and confidence so they can become strong professionals and achieve even more than we have,” she said.
Cyuzuzo added that the training will be conducted monthly over a six-month period, after which selected participants will be invited to contribute to a youth-focused media program titled “Ishya Juniors.”
The workshop runs from January 26 to January 28, 2026, with five students selected from each of the four participating universities.
Author: Meghan Teta Iribagiza