Media urged to promote gender equality

Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent

THE Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations (ZACRAS) has urged all stakeholders to unite and prioritise gender equality and the empowerment of women.

The organisation said it was committed to promoting gender equality and empowering marginalised communities through media.

The 16 Days of Activism Campaign, which runs from Saturday last week to December 10, serves as a powerful platform for communities to use community radio stations to raise awareness, challenge gender-based violence and advocate for women’s rights.

The association recognises the importance of standing against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and amplifying women’s voices in the media sector.

“We believe that community radio plays an important role in raising awareness of GBV through educating and informing the communities and also by promoting participation and voices of marginalised women in media,” reads the statement.

“Moreover, ZACRAS identifies the power of community radio in empowering communities to know their rights and be able to stand against gender-based violence. This will in turn foster social change, particularly in addressing gender inequalities and promoting women’s empowerment.

“We call upon all stakeholders, including community radio stations, civil society organisations, and government bodies, to unite and prioritise gender equality and the empowerment of women. Through collective efforts and sustained engagement, we can create a more inclusive and equitable media landscape that reflects the diverse voices and experiences of women in Zimbabwe.”

ZACRAS has also urged the people to strive towards a society where gender equality and women’s empowerment are fundamental principles in shaping the future.

ZACRAS is an umbrella organisation that represents and supports community radio broadcasting in Zimbabwe.

The association promotes media pluralism, community participation, and the right to freedom of expression.

“As part of our commitment to women’s inclusion, ZACRAS has been involved in various projects aimed at amplifying women’s voices in media and creating an enabling environment for their active participation,” said the association.