By Panashe Kaseke
Zimbabwe’s media industry has taken a significant step forward in addressing workplace harassment with the unveiling of the sexual harassment and violence policy by the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC).
The policy, aimed at combating sexual harassment and violence in the media sector , and it was officially launched by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting, Hon. Dr Jenfan Muswere, Today at the Meikles Hotel in Harare at a ceremony attended by industry stakeholders, government officials, and representatives from civil society organizations.
“This policy document is of national strategic intern as we seek to eradicate sex pests in newsroom and in any other arena in the media, because media is very broad,” said Minister Muswere.
The newly unveiled policy is designed to provide a framework for addressing and preventing sexual harassment and violence in media workplaces. It outlines the responsibilities of media employers and employees in creating a safe and respectful work environment. The policy will answer to the Why, Where, When, Who and How questions raised when addressing the scourge of sexual harassment and it includes guidelines for reporting and investigating complaints, as well as provisions for support and protection for victims.
Speaking at the launch event, ZMC Chairperson Professor Magosvongwe emphasized that the policy is a response to the scourge that has ravanged the media industry.
“One would pose the question as to why a whole commission would spend resources and time engaging and even launching such a policy and is this so urgent, one would ask. It must be pointed out that the development of this sexual harassment and sexual violence policy that we are launching here today is a response to the scourge that has ravanged our newsroom and the workplace for too long. We cannot look aside any further while sex predators poison the media working environment and then the process racking career process and even affecting the mental wellness of fellow professionals,” she said.
The policy also promote gender equality and ensuring the safety and well-being of media practitioners.
The launch of the policy comes at a time when the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace is gaining increased attention globally. In Zimbabwe, the media industry has not been immune to such issues, with reports of harassment and violence against journalists and other media workers emerging in recent years.
The implementation of the policy is expected to have a positive impact on the media sector, fostering a more inclusive and respectful work environment. It is hoped that other sectors will follow suit, adopting similar policies to ensure the protection and well-being of all employees.
