Jennifer Elle Lewis

Jennifer Elle Lewis


Date: March 4, 2011
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Learning Journey

My time at Gender Links has taught me invaluable skills. As a manager, I have learned how to negotiate often difficult, yet rewarding situations. In 2010, we completed the Gender in Media Education Audit, initiated an affiliated experiential learning exchange and strengthened our partnership base through MOUs.

The Gender in Media Education Audit (GIME) was perhaps the most rewarding work. It covered 25 institutions of higher learning in media and journalism training in 13 countries. Organising and compiling research from this sample was no small feat. I was able to apply and enhance my skills on gathering data, managing consultants and editing content. There were certainly hiccups along the way, yet the end result was a successful piece of research.

Additionally, the most eye opening experience was to see this research put into practice. It is not often that research does more than sit on a shelf, and it was fantastic to learn that actually research CAN be put into practice. To date the Polytechnic of Namibia and University of Namibia have implemented findings, and other universities are due to follow suit.

Further, this GIME research was then applied to other previous and current research initiatives. At the same time of the GIME, the Gender and Media Progress Study was being conducted. This research looked at the levels of coverage of gender through the media.

It was a very proud moment for Gender Links when we were able to combine these two initiatives and present them in joint workshops across the region. To create lasting change, simply looking at media education is not enough. It is essential to partner with media organisations and regulators. It was eye opening to see how our various initiatives could be combined and implemented.

On a more personal level. A dear family friend, a lovely Irish man, has often told me the following proverb in his Irish brogue:

A winner never quits; and a quitter never wins.

This slogan has been especially applicable to 2010. I was able to overcome what seemed like insurmountable obstacles. An example of this was my struggle with the Department of Home Affairs in the Republic of South Africa.

I never knew that obtaining work visas could be such a momentous task. It taught me a great deal about humility and compassion. In the United States, where I am from, many foreigners struggle for years for the right to earn a living in this global “powerhouse”. Many of my friends have had to plan escape routes through our neighbor, Canada, simply to avoid being deported. I now understand their struggle.

After being told over and over that I could not obtain my visa within the necessary time, I managed to obtain one against all odds.

Another key lesson learned was to not crash my car into the Gender Links offices. Generally any kind of physical impact into one’s place of employment is a bad idea. With a new automobile, I misjudged the turning radius and knocked into the corner of Gender Links. As part of my learning journey, I now know the contours and dimensions of the parking lot, and I am happy to state that I have had no altercations with any of the walls of the building since.

In trying to correct the damage to the car, I have also learned to use a reputable garage for panel beating. In a panic, I took the car to a place recommended by a friend. This place was a dirt parking lot filled with drunk men. They beat out the dent in my car with only the light of their cell phones. In the process, they broke the front headlight. In the future I will remember to work on quality, not speed. Doing things in a panic in life or in work is not beneficial, and might actually make things worse.

Finally, at GL I have learned the importance of work/life balance and supporting oneself. At the end of the day, you must treat yourself with kindness and compassion. It is only in doing so that you can treat others with the same respect.

Jennifer Elle Lewis is the former Gender and Media Diversity Centre Manager at Gender Links. She is currently working at Action Aid in Johannesburg.


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