Story by John Nhandara
The media has been called upon to disseminate information that is gender sensitive to achieve Sustainable Development Goal Number 5, which targets to realise gender equality and promote the empowerment of women and girls.
The role of the media in promoting gender equality and gender equity through the creation of gender-sensitive and gender-transformative content dominated discussions at a week-long media workshop on gender-responsive reporting organised by the United Nations Women in Bindura this past week.
“We have recognised that the fight against gender equality and women empowerment is far from being won. So, there is a need for all stakeholders to come on board and fight for gender equality and women’s empowerment. So, this week we interacted with journalists to see how we can improve the coverage of women’s issues and how we can do better when it comes to gender-sensitive reporting,” UN Women – Media and Communications Officer, Mr Innocent Katsande told the ZBC News.
The major key takeaway for the media was the need to demystify patriarchal and gender stereotypes that exist within communities.
A journalist, Idah Mabuwana said, “It was an eye opener for us to promote gender equality and how we can sensitise various institutions to come up with policies that promote gender equality.”
Another journalist, Byron Mutingwende said, “We have been capacitated to report on gender issues. Our communities are battling patriarchy. It appears women do not have equal opportunities with their male counterparts. So, I think it’s important as the media to promote women empowerment and highlight issues affecting women.”
Meanwhile, the Lower Guruve Development Association (LGDA) took the opportunity to explain some of the projects being implemented in Mashonaland Central districts such as Mbire, Guruve and Mushumbi to fight gender-based violence and empower women.
“We have implemented the spotlight initiative which focuses on pillar number 6, so we have worked with community-based organisations to fight gender-based violence,” noted LGDA projects coordinator, Mr Tavirai Marega.
Several countries agreed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with goal five on gender equality being made a central component in ending all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls by 2030.
