In the framework of the AGILE project co-funded by the European Union, CFI, the French media development agency, is pleased to invite journalists, editors from community radios and mainstream outlets, community representatives, and students or young professionals in Zambia to apply for the Diversity & Inclusion Workshop.
Media coverage of disability and other marginalized groups in Zambia remains marked by stereotypes, pity-driven narratives, and limited rights-based approaches. Community radios, which play a crucial role in reaching rural and underserved audiences, often work with constrained resources and limited training opportunities, making it difficult to produce inclusive, nuanced content. As a result, the voices of persons with disabilities and other communities whose perspectives are underrepresented in public debate often remain overlooked or misrepresented.
To help address these gaps, CFI will conduct a three-day workshop in Lusaka in May 2026, at a time when the city will also host two major global events—RightsCon and the World Press Freedom Day Global Conference—offering an exceptional opportunity to amplify inclusive media practices and strengthen local visibility.
The workshop will bring together journalists, editors, community media actors, representatives from underrepresented communities, and young professionals for hands-on sessions, collaborative exercises, and real-case newsroom simulations. Participants will learn how to identify bias, conduct ethical interviews, co-create stories with communities, and integrate inclusive practices into their reporting.
In addition, participants will be introduced to practical storytelling tools, including documentary podcasting, responsible AI-assisted reporting techniques, and accessible digital methods. A dedicated “Community Storytelling Corner” will take place during structured lunchtime sessions, offering a space for representatives of underrepresented communities to share experiences and perspectives that can help inform inclusive story development. Selected stories or collaborations may be further supported beyond the workshop to ensure continued visibility and engagement.
The workshop will cover the following areas:
- Representation & Gatekeeping: editorial decisions, newsroom diversity, agenda-setting
- Language & Framing: terminology, unconscious bias, audience impact
- Community & Participatory Journalism: co-creating stories with communities
- AI, Data & Ethical Reporting: responsible AI in newsgathering and fact-checking
- Online Safety & Digital Rights: cybersecurity and protection for journalists
- Policy, Law & Media Regulation: regulatory gaps and press-freedom frameworks
Attendance for all three days of the workshop is mandatory.
The selection of participants will be based on clear and transparent criteria. A venue will be provided for selected participants residing outside of Lusaka to ensure full participation.
Please note that only retained candidates will be contacted.
Eligibility criteria
To apply for this workshop, you must:
- Be based in Zambia;
- Belong to one of the following groups: journalists or editors (including from community radios), community media practitioners, civil society representatives, members of organisations working with underrepresented communities, media students, or young professionals;
- Demonstrate experience or strong interest in inclusive reporting, community engagement, storytelling, or media-related work;
- Be available to attend all three days of the workshop in Lusaka;
- Have sufficient proficiency in English to participate actively in the sessions;
- Be willing to share feedback with CFI on the workshop and its relevance to your work.
Women and persons with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.
Evaluation grid
| Profile, skills and expertise
Relevance of background (journalism, media, communication, civil society, or community engagement); education/training (formal or informal), useful skills for the workshop; sufficient English proficiency. Open to diverse pathways to ensure inclusion. |
30 |
| Experience
Previous experience (professional, academic, or community-based) related to media production, public communication, or work with communities whose perspectives are underrepresented. Formal journalism experience not required. |
30 |
| Motivation
– Reasons for applying
– Commitment to learning
– Relevance of the workshop to applicant’s work or community role
– Potential to apply skills afterwards |
40 |
| Total |
100 |
