Telling Women’s Stories Course

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TELLING WOMEN'S STORIES: A GUIDE TO IMPACTFUL MOBILE JOURNALISM

This course is designed to empower you with the skills and knowledge to create powerful narratives that challenge stereotypes, celebrate the achievements of African women, and drive meaningful progress in gender equality, representation, and empowerment across the continent.

Through this program, you will become a skilled visual storyteller capable of sharing stories that inspire and have an impact.

What You Will Gain:

  • Analyze: Critically assess gender roles, biases, and representation in your country’s media landscape.

  • Identify: Discover and pitch compelling gender-focused stories with the potential for wide distribution.

  • Develop: Create persuasive pitches and storyboards to bring your ideas about African women to life.

  • Create: Produce impactful multimedia content using traditional and innovative techniques, including mobile journalism (MOJO), video, photography, and scripting.

  • Tell Your Story: Develop an autobiographical multimedia feature highlighting your unique perspective.

  • Collaborate: Work alongside fellow storytellers and bird story agency’s editorial team to publish and promote your stories effectively.

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What You Will Gain:

  • Analyze: Critically assess gender roles, biases, and representation in your country’s media landscape.

  • Identify: Discover and pitch compelling gender-focused stories with the potential for wide distribution.

  • Develop: Create persuasive pitches and storyboards to bring your ideas about African women to life.

  • Create: Produce impactful multimedia content using traditional and innovative techniques, including mobile journalism (MOJO), video, photography, and scripting.

  • Tell Your Story: Develop an autobiographical multimedia feature highlighting your unique perspective.

  • Collaborate: Work alongside fellow storytellers and editors to publish and promote your stories effectively.

This training will equip you to tell stories that matter, inspire change, and highlight the perspectives of African women.

General Online Course FAQs

Course Access and Technical Issues

Course FAQs

  • All course materials will be available on the course website. You will need a strong Wi-Fi connection and a laptop or desktop computer.

  • You will need a computer with a stable internet connection, a modern web browser (e.g. Chrome, Firefox, Safari), your video equipment, and any software required for assignments (video editing software, etc.).

  • Contact our technical support team via storiesmatter@underbaobabs.com

  • Yes, but a desktop or laptop is highly advised for a better experience, especially with slides.

  • A minimum speed of 5 Mbps is recommended for optimal streaming and access, including uploading and downloading videos and photos for the assignments.

Course Content and Structure

  • The course covers the following modules:

    • Module 1: Introduction to Gender Storytelling

    • Module 2: Identifying Impactful Stories of African Women

    • Module 3: Content Creation

    • Module 4: Story Design & Production Planning

    • Module 5: Content Processing & Delivery

    • Module 6: Publishing Systems

  • Each module has a main lesson, case study, quiz, assignment, and webinar.

  • You must complete the assessment to be eligible for the course.

  • You will have access to the course materials until 31 December 2025.

  • Some course materials, such as PDFs and resources, may be downloadable.

  • The course content will be updated periodically to reflect current trends and best practices.

  • The course includes a variety of content formats, including videos, slides, readings, interactive activities, and external resources.

Assignments, Quizzes, and Certification

  • Assignments will vary depending on the module, but they will all involve applying the skills and knowledge learned in the course.

  • Assignments will be evaluated based on a clear rubric that assesses understanding and application of concepts.

  • There is no final exam, but there will be quizzes throughout the course to assess your understanding of each module.

  • Yes, you will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course.

  • To receive a certificate, you must complete all modules, assignments, and quizzes, and in-person workshops.

Webinars and Interaction

  • You will receive a link to join the live webinars via email.

  • Yes, webinars are recorded and will be available on the course platform.

  • You can interact with instructors and other participants through the course forum, live webinars, and social media groups.

  • Webinars will be held in East African Time (GMT+3).

Gender Visual Storytelling Course FAQs

Content and Focus

  • No, the course is designed for intermediate multimedia journalists, and may not be suitable for beginners.

  • While the course draws on diverse African perspectives, the primary focus is on the following countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, Senegal, and Ivory Coast.

  • The course dedicates a module to ethical considerations, covering topics like avoiding gender bias, obtaining informed consent, and protecting vulnerable sources.

  • Yes, the course will provide practical guidance on how to avoid gender bias in visual content, such as framing, composition, and editing techniques.

  • Basic video editing skills are recommended, but the course will provide resources and support for those needing to improve their skills.

  • While the course cannot guarantee employment, it will equip you with the skills and knowledge that international news agencies look for in visual journalists.

Practical Application

  • Yes, each module includes practical assignments that allow you to apply the skills you learn.

  • The case studies are selected for their relevance to real-world scenarios and demonstrate best practices in gender-focused storytelling.

  • Yes, you will receive constructive feedback on your assignments from instructors and peers.

  • The course will explore how the skills you learn can be adapted for various media platforms, including online news sites, social media, and broadcast television.

  • Absolutely! The online course is just the first step in this comprehensive training program. Following the virtual training, there will be in-person workshops held in each of the focus countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, Senegal, and Ivory Coast). These workshops will provide a more hands-on learning experience, allowing trainees to further develop their skills and create the gender-focused story they have been building up to in their online assignments.

Expert Interaction

  • The experts are leading journalists, storytellers, and media professionals with extensive experience in gender-focused storytelling.

  • Yes, you can ask the experts questions either during live webinars or online forums.

In-Person Workshops

  • The in-person workshops will be held in each of the focus countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast

    The specific dates and locations will be communicated to the trainees well in advance.

  • We will provide a detailed list of items to bring closer to the workshop dates, but in general, you should come prepared with:

    • Video production equipment: camera, audio, lighting, editing, tripod, accessories

    • A smartphone, a notebook, and a pen for taking notes.

  • No, all costs associated with attending the in-person workshops, including travel, accommodation, and meals, will be covered by the program. Please note that travel costs to and from the workshop location each day are not included and will be the responsibility of the trainee.

  • The in-person workshops are designed to be a culmination of what you've learned online. Throughout the online modules, your assignments will guide you through the story development process, from ideation and pitching, to research and data gathering, to contacting characters and prepping your equipment.  

    Then, during the in-person workshops, you'll put those plans into action, with expert trainers by your side! A typical day will be a dynamic mix of activities focused on bringing your story to life:

    • Hands-on Production: You'll gain practical, real-world experience filming b-roll and cutaways, capturing impactful photos, and conducting interviews – all guided by experienced trainers.

    • Collaborative Editing: You'll learn how to prep a rough cut of your story using the footage you gather, experimenting with different editing techniques and receiving feedback in real-time.

    • Technical Guidance: Trainers will be there to provide support with uploading and managing your assets, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.

    • Group Discussions and Feedback Sessions: You'll have opportunities to share your progress, receive constructive feedback from trainers and peers, and learn from each other's experiences.

    • Guest Speaker Sessions: Experienced storytellers and media professionals will share their insights and answer your questions, broadening your understanding of the field.

    Think of the in-person workshops as an immersive, collaborative production experience where you'll gain confidence and valuable skills in a supportive environment.

      • Even after the in-person workshops conclude, you'll still have access to:

        • Training resources: Trainees will receive key takeaways from the materials upon finishing the course.

        • Community forum: You can continue to connect with fellow trainees and trainers through a dedicated online forum.

    • Mentorship opportunities: Trainees will continue to receive ongoing guidance and support for story production from bird story agency’s editorial team.

  • Yes, there will be opportunities to showcase your work through various channels, such as:

    • Online platforms: The bird story agency’s website and social media channels will feature selected stories produced by the trainees.

    • Media events: We will submit outstanding stories to relevant media events for wider exposure.

    • Partner media outlets: We will work with partner media outlets in each country to potentially publish or broadcast the trainees' stories.

    This will provide trainees with valuable exposure and recognition for their work.