Telling Women’s Stories Course
Welcome! First watch this video, then scroll down to get started!
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: At the end of this course, you will have the opportunity to submit a story pitch for the chance to work directly with fellow creators and the bird Story Agency editorial team.
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MODULE 1: Introduction to Gender Storytelling
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Lesson 101: Seeing Beyond Stereotypes
Let's learn how to create gender-sensitive visual stories by understanding stereotypes, assessing media representation, challenging bias, and using ethical storytelling practices.
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Lesson 102: Case Study Challenge
Let's dissect a poorly executed gender-focused multimedia story to identify its flaws and the impact on the audience.
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Lesson 103: Quiz
Let's check your understanding of how the African media can effectively counter gender bias and inequality through gender-sensitive visual storytelling.
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MODULE 2: Identifying Impactful Stories About African Women
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Lesson 201: How to Choose the Right Stories
Let’s learn what makes a story worth telling. Uncover the secrets of impactful storytelling and learn to identify the narratives that resonate.
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Lesson 202: Case Study Challenge
Let's examine a well-executed gender-focused multimedia story to identify its strategies and strengths.
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Lesson 203: Quiz
Let's check your understanding of how to choose stories that promote gender equality in African media through visual narratives.
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MODULE 3: Mobile Phone Content Creation
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Lesson Introduction: Mastering International Standard Video Storytelling for News Agency Correspondents
Let’s learn the fundamentals of agency-style video journalism, focusing on standards, techniques, and ethical considerations.
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Lesson 301: Focus
Let’s learn to strategically use manual and autofocus to achieve creative control and enhance your video narratives.
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Lesson 302: Lighting
Let’s learn how to create visually impactful stories through effective lighting techniques.
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Lesson 303: Audio
Let’s learn how to capture impactful audio, ensuring the voices of influential women are heard clearly and powerfully.
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Lesson 304: Framing and Composition
Let's refine visual storytelling through key framing and composition techniques.
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Lesson 305: Sequences
Let's explore the art of filming sequences, ensuring seamless editing through strategic shot progression and creative techniques.
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Lesson 306: Stability
Let's master stabilization techniques, ensuring impactful visual storytelling through the strategic use of tripods, gimbals, and controlled handheld methods.
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Lesson 307: Settings
Let's master camera settings for professional video and photography by understanding resolution, frame rate, exposure, and white balance.
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Lesson 308: Quiz
Let's check your understanding of how to create content.
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MODULE 4: Story Design & Production Planning
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Lesson 401: Storyboarding & Project Management for Gender-Focused Narratives
Let’s learn how to effectively plan and visualize gender-focused stories. Discover the power of storyboarding and project management to create impactful narratives.
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Lesson 402: Case Study Challenge
Let’s explore the essential elements of visual storytelling, focusing on shot composition, sequences, and multimedia integration to enhance your gender-focused stories.
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Lesson 403: Quiz
Let's check your understanding of how to choose stories that promote gender equality in African media through visual narratives.
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MODULE 5: Content Processing and Delivery
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MODULE 6: Publishing Systems
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: At the end of this course, you will have the opportunity to submit a story pitch for the chance to work directly with fellow creators and the bird Story Agency editorial team.
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
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All course materials will be available on the course website. You will need a strong Wi-Fi connection and a laptop or desktop computer.
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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.).
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Yes, but a desktop or laptop is highly advised for a better experience, especially with slides.
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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
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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
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Each module has a main lesson, case study, and quiz.
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You will have access to the course materials until 31 December 2025.
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Some course materials, such as PDFs and resources, may be downloadable.
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The course content will be updated periodically to reflect current trends and best practices.
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The course includes a variety of content formats, including videos, slides, readings, interactive activities, and external resources.
Quizzes and Certification
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There is no final exam, but there will be quizzes throughout the course to assess your understanding of each module.
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Yes, you will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course.
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To receive a certificate, you must complete all modules and quizzes.
Gender Visual Storytelling Course FAQs
Content and Focus
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No, the course is designed for intermediate multimedia journalists, and may not be suitable for beginners.
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The course draws on diverse African perspectives.
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The course dedicates a module to ethical considerations, covering topics like avoiding gender bias, obtaining informed consent, and protecting vulnerable sources.
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Yes, the course will provide practical guidance on how to avoid gender bias in visual content, such as framing, composition, and editing techniques.
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Basic video editing skills are recommended, but the course will provide resources and support for those needing to improve their skills.
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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
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The case studies are selected for their relevance to real-world scenarios and demonstrate best practices in gender-focused storytelling.
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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.