Empowering Journalists: Konde.co’s Ecofeminism Training in 2023
In 2023, Internews’ Earth Journalism Network granted support to Konde.co, a media outlet that focuses on gender issues. With this support, Konde conducted training on “ecofeminism” for 30 journalists. Eight fellows were chosen from this group to create environmental stories that highlight gender perspectives.
Luviana Ariyanti, the editor-in-chief of Konde, emphasized the importance of this training. She wants journalists to move beyond typical news reporting and to tackle the climate crisis from a female perspective. Arrneto Bayliss, a journalism student and one of the fellows, reported on water issues in Muara Angke, Jakarta. He focused on the struggles of pregnant women lacking access to clean water.
Bayliss learned about gender intersectionality during his training. He recognized that the problems in Muara Angke stem from structural failures in public sanitation, not just cultural issues. This drives women to work hard to afford clean water and take on demanding labor while being pregnant.
How does Konde.co plan to promote ongoing development for journalists trained in ecofeminism and environmental reporting?
Interview with Luviana Ariyanti, Editor-in-Chief of Konde.co
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Luviana. Can you start by explaining the significance of the “ecofeminism” training provided to journalists this year?
Luviana Ariyanti: Thank you for having me. The ecofeminism training was crucial because it equipped journalists with the tools to analyze and report on the climate crisis through a gendered lens. Women disproportionately bear the brunt of environmental issues, and we believe it’s vital that their stories and perspectives are highlighted in media coverage.
Interviewer: How did you select the eight fellows from the 30 journalists who participated in the training?
Luviana Ariyanti: We assessed their passion and commitment to not only understand ecofeminism but also their ability to translate these insights into impactful stories. We sought journalists who showed a potential to tackle complex issues, especially in relation to women’s experiences connected to environmental challenges.
Interviewer: Can you elaborate on Arrneto Bayliss’s work on water issues in Muara Angke and what made it stand out?
Luviana Ariyanti: Arrneto’s report was particularly compelling because it illuminated the intersection of gender and environmental instability. He uncovered how pregnant women in Muara Angke are facing dire challenges due to lack of access to clean water, highlighting structural failures in public sanitation. His story goes beyond mere statistics; it captures the real struggles people endure as a result of systemic issues.
Interviewer: What impact do you hope the fellows’ stories will have on the broader dialog about gender and the environment?
Luviana Ariyanti: We hope these stories will spark conversations and inspire action—advocating for women’s rights and environmental justice. By sharing such powerful narratives, we aim to challenge the status quo and drive systemic changes that prioritize both gender equity and ecological sustainability.
Interviewer: Could you tell us more about the book “Untuk Perempuan di Tanah Kami” and its objectives?
Luviana Ariyanti: The book compiles the stories of our eight fellows, showcasing their unique perspectives on gender-related environmental issues. We printed 100 copies and also made an electronic version available to reach a wider audience. Through this publication, we want to spread awareness and encourage more discussions around ecofeminism.
Interviewer: Florence Armein mentioned the importance of enhancing journalists’ skills in environmental reporting. What steps will Konde take to ensure ongoing support and development for these journalists?
Luviana Ariyanti: We’re committed to continuous learning. We’ve observed that many participants are eager for advanced training to refine their skills further. We aim to create more opportunities for workshops and collaborative projects, not only to enhance their skill sets but also to foster a network of journalists who can support each other in this critical work.
Interviewer: In closing, what message would you like to convey to other media organizations regarding the coverage of gender and environmental issues?
Luviana Ariyanti: I urge media organizations to prioritize and elevate women’s voices in their reporting. This isn’t just about inclusivity; it’s about recognizing that women’s experiences and insights are essential to understanding and addressing climate issues effectively. We need a collective commitment to storytelling that champions gender perspectives in the environmental narrative. Thank you.
After the fellows published their stories, Konde compiled their work into a book titled “Untuk Perempuan di Tanah Kami” (For Women in Our Land). They printed 100 copies and launched the book on November 23, 2023. An electronic version was also shared for wider access.
Florence Armein, a former Indonesia content coordinator for EJN, stated that enhancing journalists’ skills in environmental reporting is vital. Ariyanti expressed satisfaction with the fellows’ reports but called for ongoing commitment from journalists and media organizations to elevate women’s voices. Nabila Wahyu, Konde Project Manager, added that participants showed interest in advanced training to refine their skills further.