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Gamuchirai Bhachi
INFORMATION, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Jenfan Muswere, has acknowledged the issue of sexual harassment in newsrooms.
Minister Muswere was speaking during a Zimbabwe Media Sector Sexual Harassment Policy Validation workshop organised by the Zimbabwe Media sCommission in conjunction with Women in News Africa Region.
The workshop was aimed at creating a safer working environment free of sexual harassment in all media houses.
Minister Muswere said they had received numerous reports of sexual harassment and action will be taken.
Sexual harassment leads to unsafe workplaces for female journalists and Minister Muswere highlighted that, for the media to play a role, there must be a safer working environment for all.
“There are many loud calls from various stakeholders on the urgent need to deal with cases of sexual harassment which continue to be reported in our media industry.
“This has become a scourge making our newsrooms unsafe working places for our female media practitioners.
“Sexual harassment is an unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature which makes a person feel offended, humiliated and intimidated,” said Minister Muswere.
He said sexual harassment at work had many negative consequences, which include physical and mental health problems on women.
He hailed the Public Service Commission for providing a safe working environment in the public service and also expressed gratitude to the International Labour Organisation for developing a strategy that eliminates sexual harassment and gender-based violence at work.
Minister Muswere said there should be equality between men and women.
“Chapter 4, Section 80 of the Constitution states that every woman has the full and equal dignity of the person with men, and this includes equal opportunities in political, economic and social activities,” the Minister said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter