Ruth Kutemba: Work well to earn rewards

When a blogger meets another blogger, or let's say a newswoman meets a fellow newswoman, what happens? Of course, it would be an intellectual and memorable conversation. From a social networking platform, one thing led to another and here we are. This collaboration is pure coincidence. Every word, every message was divinely orchestrated.

Meet  Ruth Kutemba, all the way from Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo. Eight years in the journalism field and still counting, no be beans. She particularly carved a niche in both broadcast and online media. She took us through her journey of how journalism found her, or she found journalism( Smiles). There was a touching story she covered of a woman who gave birth to triplets without the means. Stories that answer questions, empathetic and soul-searching, are the type you find in Ruth's beats.

What makes  Ruth fascinating is that she has worked in top-tier media outlets, and she has strongly changed the narrative about women's issues with her write-ups. In this day and age, where fake news shows its ugly face, Ruth is adept at fact-checking, working with CongoCheck, the number one fact-checking media organisation in the DRC. She is also a science journalist and is passionate about data journalism.  Her other interests include investigative journalism and environmental reporting. For Ruth, it is not about the money; rather, it is more about loving what she does and how she inspires her community. Two words to deduce from this are passion and impact.

When you see Ruth, you see a lady who has come this far and is leaving her footprints in the sand of time. Omote Ro Dhe was glad to collaborate with her on this one. Read excerpts of her deep, rich story:

Can you take us back to the moment you knew journalism was what you wanted to do?

When I finished secondary school, I had studied biology and chemistry. My father very much wanted his daughter to become a doctor. It wasn’t really my ambition, but he had always prepared me for that path.

When I arrived at the University of Lubumbashi, he asked me to enrol in the Faculty of Medicine. I told myself I would try, just to see how it would go, but deep down, I knew I didn’t like that direction. And since it’s hard to succeed in something you don’t enjoy, my results weren’t good—I failed. I was not motivated to begin with, and that failure only confirmed that I wasn’t in the right place.

So I explained clearly to my family that I wanted to join the Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences, in the Department of Information and Communication Sciences, because that was where I could truly see myself growing. I had already enjoyed it a lot during my secondary studies. My teachers often teased me: some said I would become a musician (laughs), others saw me as a future journalist. I was a very active student—reciting poems, taking part in fashion shows and participating in every school activity. All of that improved my diction and built my confidence.

I spent a lot of time in libraries, reading extensively, and I developed a certain ease and quickness in expressing myself. Many people told me I was meant for communication or journalism.

And I indeed loved watching female news anchors on television. They inspired me. I often watched TV5MONDE. I particularly admired Dominique Chimbakala—her presentation style, her presence, her professionalism. She inspired me deeply.

Once I joined the Faculty of Arts, everything went very well. I never repeated a year and completed the five-year program under the old system: first, second, third year… I worked hard.

In my third year, I did an internship at a local TV channel, Héritage TV. I performed very well there, and my supervisors appreciated my work. I later joined a youth team at the university radio station, Phénix 40. I grew a lot there as well. I was given several segments to host, including one called “In a Woman’s Shoes,” where I highlighted women’s activities and life stories.

After graduating in 2019, I went straight back to the channel where I had done my internship to offer my services. They took me back immediately, and that is where my career truly began.

To summarise briefly:

I didn’t know right away that I would become a journalist. At first, I was mostly thinking about communication, because as a student, I was very active, I read a lot, I recited poems, and I took part in many school activities. I enjoyed public speaking, being in the spotlight, and the female role models on television influenced me greatly.

That is how I eventually realised that this was my path.

Many people admire journalism but hesitate to pursue it — what kept you going, especially in a challenging environment like the DRC?

Thank you for your question. Many people admire journalism but hesitate to pursue it. For my part, what motivated me to continue, especially in a challenging environment like the DRC, was a mix of passion, disillusionment, and perseverance.

At first, I didn’t have a real understanding of the profession. Seeing journalists well-dressed on television, speaking perfect French, and appearing comfortable, I assumed they earned a lot of money. Since I already liked the field, I told myself that I would be doing something I loved and earning a good living.

But once I started practising journalism, I quickly realised that the financial reality was very different. We work extremely hard, yet we earn very little. At first, I thought I simply didn’t understand how the system worked and that things would improve over time. Later, I understood that it had nothing to do with mastery; the reality on the ground was simply far from the image seen on television.

Journalists in Africa, and especially in our country, are often poorly paid, without employment contracts, without regular salaries, and working in very difficult conditions. This is a reality that many professionals across the continent would not deny.

So why did I continue?

Because I am passionate.

Beyond the need to make a living, I truly love this profession. People wanted me to choose medicine, but I have always said: you can choose a profession to earn money, but if you don’t love it, you won’t truly invest yourself in it.

When I was interviewed by IJNet as “Journalist of the Month” in February 2024, I had already said that without passion, I would have given up long ago, because financially, it is far from easy.

What helped me persevere was freelancing. I didn’t limit myself to local media: I work as a correspondent for certain international outlets, and I have collaborated with various media organisations in Africa and beyond. That is what allowed me to make ends meet.

The truth is that many journalists today turn to communication jobs, sometimes at the expense of their independence, because financial insecurity pushes them to seek additional income. Some end up falling into activism or political communication out of necessity, and it is unfortunate because it undermines the nobility of the profession.

As for me, I continue because:

• passion drives me,

• This profession opens doors for me,

• It has allowed me to travel,

• it connects me with remarkable people,

• and I believe that when you work well, you are eventually rewarded.

All of this is what motivates me to keep moving forward, despite the challenges.

What story or report has had the most personal impact on you?

I have worked on several reports that have left a strong impression on me. I remember, a few years ago, a report about a woman who had given birth to triplets and had very limited means. Thanks to that report, she received help: people reached out to support her.

More recently, I did a report in a village in my city where the residents had almost no watches or clocks. In the 21st century, they had to rely on the sun and its shadow to tell the time. Students and even teachers explained to me how they organised their day. This truly touched and impressed me.

As a journalist, it was the first time I had conducted a report where the residents told me they depended solely on the sun to know the time. It personally left a strong mark on me and reminded me of the importance of sharing these realities.

Have you ever faced resistance or bias because of your gender, and how did you navigate it?

Thank you for your question. Many people admire journalism but hesitate to pursue it. For my part, what motivated me to continue, especially in a challenging environment like the DRC, was a mix of passion, disillusionment, and perseverance.

At first, I didn’t have a real understanding of the profession. Seeing journalists well-dressed on television, speaking perfect French, and appearing comfortable, I assumed they earned a lot of money. Since I already liked the field, I told myself that I would be doing something I loved and earning a good living.

But once I started practising journalism, I quickly realised that the financial reality was very different. We work extremely hard, yet we earn very little. At first, I thought I simply didn’t understand how the system worked and that things would improve over time. Later, I understood that it had nothing to do with mastery; the reality on the ground was simply far from the image seen on television.

Journalists in Africa, and especially in our country, are often poorly paid, without employment contracts, without regular salaries, and working in very difficult conditions. This is a reality that many professionals across the continent would not deny.

So why did I continue?

Because I am passionate.

Beyond the need to make a living, I truly love this profession. People wanted me to choose medicine, but I have always said: you can choose a profession to earn money, but if you don’t love it, you won’t truly invest yourself in it.

When I was interviewed by IJNet as “Journalist of the Month” in February 2024, I had already said that without passion, I would have given up long ago, because financially, it is far from easy.

What helped me persevere was freelancing. I didn’t limit myself to local media: I work as a correspondent for certain international outlets, and I have collaborated with various media organisations in Africa and beyond. That is what allowed me to make ends meet.

The truth is that many journalists today turn to communication jobs, sometimes at the expense of their independence, because financial insecurity pushes them to seek additional income. Some end up falling into activism or political communication out of necessity, and it is unfortunate because it undermines the nobility of the profession.

As for me, I continue because:

• passion drives me,

• This profession opens doors for me,

• It has allowed me to travel,

• It connects me with remarkable people,

• and I believe that when you work well, you are eventually rewarded.

All of this is what motivates me to keep moving forward, despite the challenges.

What story or report has had the most personal impact on you?

I have worked on several reports that have left a strong impression on me. I remember, a few years ago, a report about a woman who had given birth to triplets and had very limited means. Thanks to that report, she received help: people reached out to support her.

More recently, I did a report in a village in my city where the residents had almost no watches or clocks. In the 21st century, they had to rely on the sun and its shadow to tell the time. Students and even teachers explained to me how they organised their day. This truly touched and impressed me.

As a journalist, it was the first time I had conducted a report where the residents told me they depended solely on the sun to know the time. It personally left a strong mark on me and reminded me of the importance of sharing these realities.

Have you ever faced resistance or bias because of your gender, and how did you navigate it?

Yes, I have experienced resistance and inappropriate attitudes simply because I am a woman. As a copy editor in my newsroom, I am responsible for coordinating and supervising other journalists. This sometimes means managing people who are older than I am, as well as colleagues from my own generation. And there have been moments when certain individuals did not respect my authority solely because I am a woman.

On a few occasions — I would say two or three times — colleagues made inappropriate remarks or resisted my instructions for that reason alone. It does not happen often, but it does happen.

How did I handle these situations?

I rely above all on wisdom, composure, and my professional values. In positions of responsibility, you cannot allow yourself to react with emotion or anger. I refuse to engage in verbal confrontation or heated exchanges.

When disrespectful behaviour occurs:

1. I calmly correct the person and remind them of the professional framework.

2. If the behaviour continues, I formally report the issue to the Human Resources Director.

3. Depending on the severity of the incident, disciplinary measures may be taken: a warning, suspension, or formal apology.

4. I make it clear that respect is mandatory, regardless of age or gender.

Thanks to this approach, situations are resolved quickly. I earn respect not through force or authority alone, but through my rigour, my competence, and my values.

Being a woman in this profession is not always easy, but I firmly believe that by remaining professional and standing up for one’s dignity, one eventually establishes oneself.

Outside the newsroom, who is Ruth Kutemba?

Outside the newsroom, Ruth Kutemba is first and foremost a woman — a simple, ambitious woman who is deeply committed to everything she does. I really like this question because it forces me to reflect and to look at myself honestly.

The truth is that I work a great deal. I juggle several responsibilities: journalist in my newsroom, science journalist, fact-checker, contributor for other media outlets… I am almost always next to my computer. I wake up beside it, and I fall asleep beside it. I can’t even remember the last time I went out to relax, see friends, have a meal, or simply breathe a little.

This is something I need to learn to manage, especially when thinking about my life as a woman and my future family. It is important to find balance, and I am beginning to organise myself better to achieve it.

But Ruth outside of work is also:

• a hardworking woman, yes, but above all an ambitious woman who pursues her dreams to the end;

• a confidante, a friend, a trusted companion to some;

• a woman with a big heart, someone who endures a lot and understands life’s realities;

• a woman of prayer, conviction, and values;

• someone who enjoys entertainment, films, music — even if I do not always have the time to enjoy them.

Because I am often on television or present in the media, people sometimes stop me in the street to encourage me:

“We follow you a lot.” “We admire your work.” It touches me deeply.

In summary, outside of work, I am a woman who gives a great deal to others and to the profession — sometimes at the expense of myself. I am now trying to find a healthier balance, but what remains certain is that I am still a passionate, ambitious, and profoundly humane woman.

One book or film that changed your perspective?

There isn’t really a book or a film that has radically changed my perspective, and honestly, I’m not exactly sure in relation to what. But every book I read, and every film I watch, always brings life lessons.

When my work is stressful, I enjoy watching films that help me unwind—films that convey pleasure, joy, and happiness. As for books, I used to read more when I was a student, but now I mostly read in digital format.

So no, I can’t say that a book or a film has changed my perspective. I mainly consume them for entertainment, to relax, and to momentarily forget the stress of work.

What does “using your voice” mean to you as a woman and a journalist in Africa?

What does “making my voice heard” mean to me as a woman and as a journalist in Africa?

For me, “making my voice heard” does not refer only to the physical voice or the simple act of speaking. Here, the “voice” represents above all a message, a vision, a thought that one carries and chooses to share with society.

As a woman and a journalist in Africa, making my voice heard means:

• expressing my perspective on the world, on my community, and on social issues;

• communicating my perception, my convictions, and my analysis — whether in my journalistic work or on matters that affect society;

• carrying a message that has meaning, one that can inspire, awaken, raise awareness, or spark positive change;

• daring to speak up, even in contexts where women’s voices are not always fully valued;

• leaving a constructive mark, contributing to hope, understanding, and the improvement of what surrounds me.

In short, making my voice heard means sharing my vision with a wider audience, with the intention of being understood and of making a positive contribution to society.

Who is your dream interviewee — dead or alive?

This question is really complex. For me, the choice of the ideal interviewee always depends on the topic I want to explore and the context. For example, if I am working on politics in the DRC and want to understand certain issues concerning our Head of State, he would likely be the ideal person. If I want to talk about the journalism profession and sources of inspiration in this field, there are many journalists I could reach out to, including Dominique Chimbakala, a former journalist at TV5MONDE, who also inspired me; she would then be the ideal person. If I am interested in history and the political impact of Nelson Mandela, had he still been alive, he would have been a privileged interlocutor. And if I am covering international issues, for example, related to MONUSCO’s mission in the DRC, I would turn to UN officials, such as Antonio Guterres, who would be best positioned to provide key answers.

So, I cannot give a single name. It all depends on the field and the goal of the report. The ideal interviewee varies depending on the topic and the context. And sometimes, I would also love to interview my younger self to understand her perspective at the time! (laughs).

If you could mentor your younger self, what would you say?

If I could speak to the youngest version of Ruth Kutemba, I would tell her this:

Before you embark on something, take the time to do your research. Gather all the necessary information. You chose journalism out of passion, but certain realities eluded you, particularly the fact that, financially, this profession is not always easy. If you learn to understand your field thoroughly before taking action, you will save time and avoid many frustrations.

Always take care of your appearance, especially when you are on air: you never know who is listening or what opportunities it might create. Take care of your relationships as well. Remember that money matters less than the connections you build. Even when a partner or client doesn’t pay you as expected, do your work. Quality always speaks for itself. When you do good work, people will reach out to you again. Be patient and trust the process.

Don’t listen too much to what others say; listen instead to your inner voice. And above all, take care of yourself. You work a lot, sometimes too much, and you forget to enjoy life. Allow yourself rest, simple moments, outings with friends, and places that help you relax. Time passes and does not return. There are things you will not be able to do later. You can only work well when your mind is light and your health is good.

You are determined, courageous, and sometimes stubborn — and that’s a good thing. This inner strength will take you far. But never forget: life is not a race. You don’t need to rush to prove your worth. Don’t compare yourself to others: you don’t have the same goals or the same journey.

Take the time to learn, to breathe, to rest. Keep working, but learn to balance your life. Discipline is important, but well-being is just as crucial. You will encounter obstacles, disappointments, and people who won’t believe in you. That happens. But stay focused. Never doubt your abilities: you are stronger than you think.

Stay true to your values and your integrity. Remain humble. And protect your inner peace. The passion that burns within you will open doors you can’t even imagine today.

One day, you will look back at your journey and be proud of yourself. So keep going, steadily but surely. The Ruth I have become thanks you for persevering.

And one last piece of advice: become multilingual. Learn several languages — not just French and English, but also Spanish, Portuguese, and others. Languages open the world.

Do you also own a brilliant blog? What do you blog about, and how long have you been blogging? What are some lessons you gathered from it?

I do not have a personal blog, but I have always been committed to highlighting women through my journalistic work. When I was a student, I worked at the university radio station, where I was in charge of the segment “In a Woman’s Shoes.” I conducted interviews with women, showcasing their work, life paths, and daily experiences.

Today, I am responsible for the “Desk-Femme” section at TOP NEWS.CD (formerly Global Info). Every week, I conduct interviews that I publish to highlight the lives and activities of women. Whether they are wealthy or modest, intellectual or not, I aim to value all spheres and all journeys.

I am also a correspondent for Radio de la Femme, a media outlet based in Kinshasa, where I work on gender-related issues. Any activities led by women that deserve visibility are part of my work.

Over the years and through these encounters, I have learned an important lesson: every woman has something to contribute, regardless of her status, wealth, or level of education. No woman is “more important” than another. Every woman carries a message of hope that deserves to be heard.

In particular, I have understood the importance of giving a voice to underrepresented women. Many colleagues focus on women who already have resources or visibility. I also seek out those who are less visible, because they often have crucial messages to share. Of course, it is not always easy: some require much persuasion before agreeing to speak, and sometimes they need encouragement to share their story (laughs).

In summary, working with women has taught me to value all journeys, to be patient and persistent, and to understand that every voice matters. It is this richness and diversity that I strive to convey through my work.