IN a move meant to bring gender equity and safety in the workplace, the Zimbabwe Union for journalists (ZUJ) recently conducted a gender safety workshop for both male and female journalists.
By Patricia Mashiri
Issues of gender inequality, harassment and abuse in newsrooms have been topical rooms females being the most affected ones. Speaking at the training Michael Chideme, The President of ZUJ said journalists should raise alarm over gender-based violence and harassment in newsrooms.
I hope there are gender desks where journalists can raise these issues. Wherever we are let’s use that influence we have to have that gender desks. We are not talking about only ladies being harassed, the young boys are also being harassed in a different way.
Let’s guard against our security so that wherever we go we are not compromised. Our security is of paramountcy importance as journalists. If you decide to go cover an event alone at least share your location with your friends even in WhatsApp groups in case something happens they will be able to locate you,” said Mr Chideme.
Meanwhile, renowned financial Journalist and Financial Express Editor, Happiness Zengeni, said there was need to push for gender equality and representation at the workplace so as to reduce harassment and abuse
“The truth is its going to be there for a long time but we can try to stem it. Also putting women in leadership positions can help in reducing abuse especially sexual abuse at the workplace. There are still few cases where a young man can be abused by an older lady. At least if more women are in leadership positions cases of abuse can be reduced,” Zengeni said.
She added that journalists should have personal principles not to bribed and not to be shaken by anyone.
