DON’T BE ABUSED IN SILENCE, RUZVIDZO TELLS JOURNALISTS

Paidamoyo Bore

THE Sunday Mail Editor, Victoria Ruzvidzo, says women in the media industry should not allow men to abuse them in silence.

She addressed this year’s Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) national annual Journalism Summer School.

Ruzvidzo said the industry, which is male-dominated, requires female journalists to work hard and remain focussed.

“Whenever you face abuse, you should speak out for help,” she said.

“Most of the newsrooms have now introduced policies to fight sexual harassment and any other abuse at the work space.”

Of late, cases of sexual harassment have decreased which has resulted in more women excelling in the industry.

Ruzvidzo acknowledged measures that have been put in place to protect the girl child within the newsrooms.

She encouraged female journalists to work harder and strive to get top positions in the industry.

“You need to be focused and fight for what you want. I am where I am today because I was resilient.

“I want to encourage girls in here and out there to work hard for what they want,” she said.

Another award-winning female journalist Mary Mundeya echoed similar sentiments.

“When you get into the newsroom, you need to know what you want. Do not be open to every man that comes your way as some will distract you from your vision.

“Above all, I encourage you to sharpen the skills that you attained during training, continue working hard in polishing what you know,” said Mundeya.

She urged aspiring journalists to upgrade their qualifications and also attend training workshops as much as they can.

Martha Mamombe, who was part of the facilitators during the programme, also urged aspiring journalists to network with senior members in the media industry.

“I would encourage you not to outshine the master or be pompous, rather be teachable and work steadfastly to be good,” she said.

The summer school, which was supported by Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF Africa), hosted students from Harare Polytechnic, CCOSA, Great Zimbabwe, NUST and University of Zimbabwe.