The African Woman and Child Feature Service (AWC) organised a one day workshop for media correspondents based in the coast region of Kenya. Sixteen print and broadcast reporters gathered at the Sapphire Hotel in Mombasa on August 30th, 2007. They were drawn from Kilifi, Malindi, Taita, Taveta, Mombasa and Kwale districts. Three female political aspirants from Kisauni, and Likoni constituencies also attended. 

The seminar provided an opportunity to explore broadly the issues that journalists are dealing with in representing the complex reality of politics in an election year. In particular, the workshop focused on covering gender, politics and women’s representation in public leadership. There was also a discussion on human rights reporting and understanding social diversity.

Journalists were introduced to the Gender and Governance Programme; its vision, aims and goals. The context of the forthcoming general election was discussed in detail. The concern that women are greatly underrepresented in politics and public leadership was discussed at length.