Member of Parliament, Kudzaishe Hlatywayo, has revealed that women leaders are not found in the media space due to gender bias and objectifying storylines.
She was speaking during a Capacity Building Training on Gender Responsive Reporting organised by the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) in partnership with Friedrich Naumann.
“There is gender bias in the media. Women are given the kitchen roles, so the media end up avoiding them.
“I am always looking for opportunities, but because of a patriarchal society, we are not getting such opportunities.
“Women are also afraid of personal safety since sometimes speaking can lead to violence against them.
“We are judged and given all sorts of husbands,” she said.
The legislator also called upon the media to approach the women.
“Women make up 52 percent of the population, and they should be included.”
Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) Programmes Manager, Â Rotina Mafume, said some media organisations do not approach women.
“Women fear scrutiny and criticism, if they speak their minds, they will be called with all sorts of names.
“The minute you decide to be in politics, that forces them to shy away.
“People will zero in on the weaknesses.
“There is a stereotype and biases towards women leaders.
“Why don’t the media document the success stories of women who are doing good initiatives.
“There is a need to debunk a society that doesn’t promote women’s leadership.”
She said, this then forces women to shy away.
“Lack of representation in the media, women are not represented in the spaces of politics.
“Let’s be deliberate on issues of inclusivity.
“Need for programmes that include women.
“We are imploring the media to be sensitive, make headlines that are meaningful and support women,” she said.
While, Deaf Zimbabwe Trust M & E Officer, Nashy Chitondo called for proper framing.
