The Zimbabwean media landscape is grappling with a deeply ingrained issue of sexual harassment, a problem that extends from the newsroom to the upper echelons of media management. Dumisani Muleya, the chair of the Zimbabwe National Editors Forum, sheds light on this disturbing reality, pointing out that the problem is not limited to individual cases but is symptomatic of a broader societal issue.
At the heart of this crisis is the patriarchal structure that dominates Zimbabwean society, leading to a marked gender imbalance and skewing power dynamics in favor of men. This disparity is not confined to domestic spaces but is prevalent in professional environments, including media houses. Muleya describes sexual harassment in the media as an overt manifestation of these power dynamics, where the existing social order puts women in vulnerable positions, both professionally and personally.
The situation is exemplified by incidents at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), where a senior radio services boss demanded sexual favors from a junior colleague in exchange for a job transfer. This is not an isolated case; similar transactions occur for various professional gains or to avoid negative consequences like demotions or pay cuts. Such incidents are part of a disturbing trend in the Zimbabwean media, where sexual harassment is rampant but often ignored or inadequately addressed by those in authority.
Research indicates that sexual harassment is widespread in Zimbabwe’s media industry, with many organizations choosing to overlook these issues. Muleya recalls numerous instances where media managers and HR departments have failed to act, lacking a robust investigative and punitive framework to combat this menace effectively.
The media industry’s structural issues extend to the glaring underrepresentation of women in newsrooms. This imbalance not only silences women’s voices but also compels many to seek careers outside journalism, exacerbating the gender disparity. Training institutions report a significant decline in female students during internships, with many choosing alternative career paths or dropping out due to societal pressures.
Women who remain in journalism often occupy lower-ranking positions and depend on male superiors for career advancement. This dependency provides male colleagues with undue power and leverage, leading to job pressures and sexual exploitation.
Muleya paints a grim picture of the media industry, likening newsrooms to jungles where some male journalists view themselves as dominant predators, using their position and strength to justify and perpetrate sexual harassment. This analogy underscores the severity of the situation in Zimbabwean newsrooms.
In summary, addressing sexual harassment in Zimbabwe’s media is not just about tackling individual cases; it requires a comprehensive overhaul of the system. This means challenging entrenched societal norms, strengthening internal checks and balances, and fostering gender balance in the media industry. Such steps are crucial for creating a more inclusive, equitable, and respectful media landscape in Zimbabwe.