Pitch us
Have a story for us?
Gender Lens Africa welcomes strong, original pitches from journalists, writers, researchers, academics, practitioners and storytellers across Africa.
We are interested in stories that examine the issues shaping African lives through a gender lens. That can mean reporting on power, money, justice, politics, culture, sport, technology, health, work, family, safety or society.
We want stories that go beyond the obvious. Bring us the people affected, the voices missing from the conversation, the evidence behind the issue and the questions others may not be asking.
A gender lens is not a topic to add to a story. It is how we read the story.
What we’re looking for
We welcome pitches for:
- Reported featuresStories grounded in original reporting, interviews, documents, data or other evidence.
- AnalysisThoughtful analysis of developments, policies, debates and issues affecting African societies.
- Essays and commentaryDistinctive, well argued perspectives from people with relevant experience, expertise or insight.
- InvestigationsEvidence based stories that examine systems, decisions, practices or patterns and their effects on people.
- Data driven storiesStories that use data to reveal patterns, disparities or questions that deserve closer attention.
- Profiles and interviewsStories that use an individual’s experience, work or expertise to illuminate a wider issue.
We are particularly interested in stories that bring forward perspectives, experiences and communities that are often missing from mainstream coverage.
The desk
What makes a strong GLA pitch
- A reported ideaTell us what you want to investigate, explore or report. A press release, organisational announcement or talking point is not a pitch.
- Why it matters nowTell us what has changed, what is happening, or what makes this story timely. It could be a new law, court ruling, policy, election, report, public debate, development or emerging trend.
- People and communitiesTell us who you expect to speak to. We want to know whose experiences will be at the centre of the story, not only which officials or institutions will be quoted.
- EvidenceTell us what documents, data, research or other evidence will help establish the story.
- The gender lensShow us what changes when we ask: Who has power? Who benefits? Who is missing? Who bears the cost?
Before you pitch
- Keep it focusedWe recommend pitches for features, analysis and essays of 800 to 1,500 words, although longer pieces may be considered where the story requires it.
- Pitch firstFor reported stories and features, please pitch the idea before sending a full article. Completed essays and commentary may also be submitted where appropriate.
- Original workWe prioritise original work that has not already been published elsewhere. If your piece has been published previously, please tell us where and when when you submit it.
- No exclusivity requiredYour pitch or submission does not have to be exclusive to Gender Lens Africa. If you are pitching or submitting the same piece elsewhere, please let us know.
- Be transparentTell us about any relevant relationships, funding, organisational affiliations or potential conflicts of interest that could affect the story.
- Get permissionPlease do not send confidential information, private correspondence or identifying details about individuals without the appropriate permission.
- Accuracy mattersAll submissions should be factually accurate and properly sourced. We may request supporting documents, additional reporting or clarification before publication.
- Your work, your voiceWe want contributors to retain their voice. Publication may involve editorial changes for clarity, accuracy, structure, length and house style. We will discuss substantial changes with contributors where necessary.
Who can pitch?
You do not need to be a full-time journalist to pitch Gender Lens Africa.
We welcome ideas from:
- Journalists and editors
- Writers and essayists
- Researchers and academics
- Lawyers and practitioners
- Activists and advocates
- Experts and professionals
- Photographers and visual storytellers
- People with lived experience and a strong story to tell
If you have a compelling idea and can bring reporting, evidence or meaningful insight to it, we want to hear from you.
Who to pitch
Bridget Mensah
Founder and Editor, Gender Lens Africa
Pitches are reviewed by the editorial team. If you have a question about whether an idea is suitable for GLA, you can contact us before submitting.
Email: genderlensafrica@gmail.com