Why female journalists felt unwanted at KCB sharia launch
From left: Sahl Banking Sharia board members Seikh Ahmad Mussallam, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) chairman Ngeny Biwott and Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome during the launch of the Islamic banking at Hilton Hotel in Nairobi April 9, 2015. Female journalists say they were told to wear hijab and sit away from their male colleagues. PHOTO | SALATON NJAU |
What you need to know:
- The PR firm’s Ms Angel Katusia confirmed that indeed female journalists were asked to sit in a different room with other women.
- In addition, those who were allowed in sat separately from their male colleagues and followed the proceedings from a screen.
- She said: “They told me to use a scarf I had around my neck to cover my head. I got inside and found men only. When I went to the podium to get a photo of the guests, I was asked to move.”
Female journalists were Thursday forced to wear hijabs during a Kenya Commercial Bank Islamic product launch.
In addition, those who were allowed in sat separately from their male colleagues and followed the proceedings from a screen.
Nation photojournalist Diana Ngila who attended the launch said she had to leave and requested a male colleague to cover the event.
She said: “They told me to use a scarf I had around my neck to cover my head. I got inside and found men only. When I went to the podium to get a photo of the guests, I was asked to move.”
The media invite on the event sent out by Ogilvy Public Relations on behalf of the bank, did not specify any conditions for coverage. Part of the invite said: “Kindly send a crew/ reporter/ photographer to cover the event.”
DIFFERENT ROOM
The PR firm’s Ms Angel Katusia confirmed that indeed female journalists were asked to sit in a different room with other women.
She said by phone: “On enquiry we were told that as per Islamic law, men and women are not supposed to be in the same room. And those who sat where the men were should cover up and sit at the back.”
She added: “the conditions were set by the Muslim scholars and leaders in the launch.”
According to other journalists who attended the event, most of the KCB staff were reportedly dressed in either a kanzu or a hijab, depending on gender.
The Shariah-compliant product is intended to tap into the growing banking demand among Muslims across East Africa.
