IN a landmark move towards creating a safer and more equitable media landscape, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) yesterday launched the long-awaited Media Industry Sexual Harassment Policy.
The new policy underscores the Second Republic’s commitment to fostering a media environment free from harassment and abuse and aims to empower journalists, boost productivity, and ensure a more professional media industry.
According to a recent study by the WAN-INFRA Women in News, about 53 percent of women in Zimbabwean newsrooms have faced sexual harassment, a percentage which is higher than the regional rate.
The highest incidence of sexual harassment was reported in radio, where 31 percent reported that they had been harassed while print had 29 percent and TV had 25 percent.
Launching the policy yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the policy re-affirmed the commitment by the Second Republic to create a media environment that was free from sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse with a view to ensure maximum work productivity in newsrooms.
“Most media houses already have policies in place, but enforcement levels vary, and as such this policy will be binding on all in the media industry. The policy will also strengthen the existing measures and set out new strategies for combating sexual harassment and exploitation in the media sector,” said Minister Muswere.
He commended the ZGC for taking a leading role in ensuring the eradication of sexual harassment in the newsrooms.
“It is one of the key cardinals that we are bringing as the Government of Zimbabwe that we want to support all genders, we want to support the eradication of sexual harassment in all newsrooms, in all the media houses in our country because that hinders growth.
“The moment we have a situation where counterparts, or superiors in a particular media house exchange sexual favours, that becomes a disaster.
“We want the media practitioners to be able to contribute freely, to be able to be promoted and grow their skills and grow coverage in the media and broadcasting services based on hard work, based on commitment and dedication, to defend, advance and protect the interests and rights of our country,” he said.
He said sexual harassment was a complex and deep-rooted issue that had plagued the media industry for years adding that the policy was a response to public outcry for urgent interventions by Government.Power dynamics within the media industry allow for a culture where misconduct, especially sexual harassment and sexual violence is usually overlooked or not reported for fear of job losses.
Owing to the high prevalence of sexual harassment within Zimbabwean newsrooms, many female journalists and executives have opted to leave the industry altogether.
Speaking at the same event, WAN-INFRA Women in News deputy executive director Ms Jane Godia said women were missing on the decision-making tables of most media houses hence their voices are missed in policies and other important issues.
She said a survey conducted in 2020 had shown that only 12 percent of the businesses in Zimbabwe were led by women, while only 18 percent of editorial lead positions, such as editor-in-chief and managing editor, were held by women.
“The lack of women at the table of decision-making also leaves women vulnerable, because they are not being defended. When we come to sexual harassment, we find that in Zimbabwe it’s very high,” she said.
Ms Godia said online harassment also remained a big challenge with three quarters of female journalists having faced harassment and threats.
“So when we go further and look at this by position in terms of who is being harassed, we find that of the interns who come to our newsrooms, 100 percent have been sexually harassed, and our female photographers 50 percent, our editors 38 percent, presenters, 33 percent, those who are producers, 26 percent.
“Not to be left out are the media executives, including executive director, managing editors, 17 percent have faced sexual harassment. But also because we are journalists and we meet other people like sources, it is 20 percent,” she added.
Lack of proper reporting mechanisms, fear of losing jobs and stigmatisation had resulted in 48 percent of sexual harassment cases not being reported.
Zimbabwe Media Commission chairperson Professor Ruby Magosvongwe said the policy had been crafted after extensive engagement with various stakeholders in the industry with the same goal of eradicating sexual harassment.
“It must be pointed out that the development of the policy that we are launching here today is a response to the scourge that has ravished our newsrooms for too long. We cannot look aside any further while sex pests poison the media working environment and, in the process, wreck career prospects and even affect the mental wellness of fellow professionals.
“It would be tragic if the Zimbabwe Media Commission, as the body tasked by the Constitution to regulate the media, turns a blind eye to the numerous reports that are being received on how certain individuals and institutions have been turned into danger zones for sections of our media,” she said.
She said the Commission was mandated by the Constitution of Zimbabwe to ensure that the media industry conducted itself professionally and creating a safe working environment.
She said the fight against sexual harassment required a collective approach hence the collaboration with various organisations.
Zimpapers editorial executive Mr William Chikoto said the media group was prepared to align its sexual harassment policy to the ZMC policy.
“For far too long, the issue of sexual harassment has been allowed to persist within our industry, creating a toxic environment for many journalists. It is good that through this policy we have taken a firm stand against this unacceptable behavior and are now working towards creating a safe and respectful workplace for all.
“We at Zimpapers, we declare zero tolerance towards sexual harassment.
“We have had this challenge for far too long and we believe that this policy will help us to create a culture of respect and professionalism within our organisation. And we are committed to embody the values of this policy in all our operations,” he said.
He said the work towards creating a safe working environment for the current generation had just begun.
Associated Newspapers of Zimbabwe (ANZ) deputy managing editor Ms Anne Mpalume said her organisation was committed to fostering a culture of dignity and equality for all.
“This policy is not just a set of rules, it’s a reflection of our values and dedication to ensuring that every individual feels safe, respected and empowered,” she said.
Herald
