Women's rights organizations have called for gender-sensitive reporting in the media to ensure that coverage of gender-related issues is fair, accurate, and free from bias.

This call stems from the recognition that media plays a powerful role in shaping public perceptions and attitudes toward gender roles, equality, and women's rights.

The call was made at an Engagement Meeting that was convened recently by Women’s Coalition in Zimbabwe (WCoZ) in partnership with Women in Politics Support Unit (WiPSU) and Gender & Media Connect with support from UNWOMEN under the theme Beyond Elections: Advancing Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE) in Media.

The engagement was held following the gaps that have been noted in the media landscape in Zimbabwe when it comes to reporting in various issues of gender equality and therefore the engagement provided the journalists with an overview of Gender Equality and Normative Framework (Regional, Continental and Global Instruments such as CEDAW, Beijing +30, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and the National instruments in the country that are advancing GEWE.

Cluster members from WCoZ were given an opportunity to unpack priorities for media coverage and the women’s movement encouraged more inclusive and equitable coverage in the media and not to perpetuate stereotyping, misrepresent or underreport.

The key takeaways were:

•Media is key in advancing women’s empowerment and gender equality

•Media to uphold the principles of gender mainstreaming an equality

•Media to promote a balanced and non-stereotyping portrayal of women

•Media to amplify the voices of women, girls. Give voice to women Promote diversity and inclusion

•Let women make noise, women make news. Change the narrative

The Convening was attended by representatives from the women’s rights organisation, Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC), Zimbabwe Gender Commission, journalists from various media houses including community radio stations.