Evidence Chipadza
Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) is on the drive to equip upcoming young female journalists with the necessary skills and capacity required in the newsroom environment.
Speaking at a 3-day workshop which was held at Village Lodge Gweru, FNF Programs Officer Fungisai Sithole said the main objective of the initiative was to empower and inspire budding female journalists.
“These workshops are done to create a space for young and upcoming journalists to network with female veteran journalists like Victoria Ruzvidzo, Faith Zaba, Anne Mpalume and Martha Mamombe so that they are inspired,” said Sithole.
Every year FNF holds an annual mentorship program for upcoming female journalists in Harare, Gweru and Masvingo.
This year FNF introduced a Resident Therapist to offer emotional support and counselling sessions to the victims of sexual harassment in the newsroom.
Sithole added that sexual harassment is very common in the newsrooms and upcoming journalists end up quitting their careers.
“We have seen a lot of young journalists breaking down because of the experiences encountered, so we decided to include Chirenje who is a seasoned therapist,” she added.
One of the participants Sharon Mudzawa said the training helped her to gain confidence as an upcoming female journalist.
“Knowing that newsrooms are male-dominated, this workshop has instilled confidence in me that even us women can penetrate such spaces,” said Mudzawa.
Meanwhile, Martha Leboho, another participant from Masvingo applauded FNF for the training.
“FNF should keep on doing these pieces of pieces of training as they empower women to participate in the newsrooms without hindrances,” she said.
