The Rwanda Female Journalists Association (ARFEM) at the weekend elected new committee members, replacing the former committee which has operated since 2009. Some members however bounced back, getting a second chance to serve the body.The eight-woman team was elected during a general assembly which took place at the premises of the Media High Council.Faith Mbabazi of ORINFOR was re-elected as the association’s president, Marianne Nyirarugwiro, the first vice president, Cecile Uwamariya the second vice and Aisha-Bonaventure Rutayisire as secretary. Others elected are Angella Umutoni Treasurer, Christine Uwizeye as the Financial Controller and Jane Uwimana and Peace Hillary as Advisors. In her acceptance speech, Mbabazi expressed gratitude to Rwandan female journalists for entrusting her with a second term.“I am happy that I have been elected the second time and we have a lot to accomplish in this two-year –term. My main focus now will be advocating for more women empowerment in media,” said Mbabazi, who is the acting head of Radio Rwanda. “We think it’s very important for media managers and owners to give us the benefit of the doubt. We have very few women managers in media houses,” Mbabazi added.“We still ask a question to each and every member of our association; “Is it because you’re not capable of being a woman manager or is it because you’re too afraid to take up responsibilities of being a woman manager?” Mbabazi emphasised. ARFEM was founded in 1995 and is currently made up of over 40 members.
