The Zambia Free Press Initiative (FPI) has urged media houses and newsrooms to do more to create safe and supportive environments for female journalists and media workers.
FPI Founder, Joan Chirwa, made the call in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today, to mark the commemoration of the Gender Based Violence (GBV) 16 days of Gender Activism, which runs from today, 25th November to the 10th December 2024.
Ms. Chirwa has since called on media stakeholders, including media owners, editors, and journalists, to join FPI in raising awareness about GBV, challenge harmful gender stereotypes, and promote a culture of respect, equality, and justice within the media industry.
She said the media’s role should go beyond information gathering, packaging and dissemination, but should also include GBV issues.
“GBV is a widespread issue affecting people across various sectors, including the media,” observed Ms. Chirwa.
She however said female journalists and media workers today face harassment, intimidation, and violence in newsrooms, which can have severe consequences for their well-being and ability to perform their duties.
“In some instances, our journalists and media workers have faced Gender Based Violence in the field, exposing them to severe injustices in the course of their duty,” said Ms. Chirwa.
RCV News
