This archive report was first published on 20 June 2020.
June 20, 2020 - The Black Lives Matter movement has sparked conversations about racism and inequality worldwide, but what about the local scenario in Kenya? Yvonne Okwara, a senior news anchor and editor at Citizen TV, has spoken out against colorism in the media industry, highlighting the challenges faced by darker-skinned women.
Okwara took to her Instagram to share her thoughts on the issue, stating that darker-skinned girls and women are treated differently and have to work twice as hard to get ahead. She also pointed out that the media industry has perpetuated this bias, with lighter-skinned individuals often being favored.
Okwara shared her personal experiences, revealing that she has faced challenges in the industry due to her skin tone. She has been expected to be smarter and work harder to compensate for her lack of 'looks.'
Okwara's plea is for the media industry to change its ways and recognize the value of all individuals, regardless of their skin tone. She believes that charity should begin at home, and that the industry should take responsibility for perpetuating colorism.
