Journalists and media stakeholders met at Mount Kigali University, Rwanda, to analyze the progress of the Anti- Sexual harassment Policy.

By Charm Team

In 2020, FOJO Institute and the African Women in Media (AWIM) undertook a study in bid to understand the challenges that women faced in their workspaces. The report identified several barriers faced by women in journalism, ranging from pay disparities and workplace sexual harassment, among others.

The report, culminated in a series of meetings that led to the Anti -Sexual Harassment Policy, a   treaty that is now endorsed by 34 media houses and has a committee of 19 members that oversees the policy’s implementation.

 The Policy has witnessed a lot of positive change in the newsrooms across the east African country.  Key to note that the sexual harassment policy is included in the onboarding processes of media houses and new employees sign the policy as they sign their contracts. Journalists who join a media house have explained the policy and what it contains, including the    consequences of its breach.

In a roundtable discussion in April this year, journalists also pointed out that there have been less cases of harassment reported in various media houses in the country. The reduction in cases is a positive, as many of the practitioners adhere to the ethics and standards of the media house.

Additionally, there are also clear mechanisms in reporting SH cases. There is a proper chain of command on how to report cases that was introduced to various media house. Journalists who feel their rights have been infringed are now able to know who to go to and have freedom to share their experiences and demand for the culprits to be held accountable.

Community media houses, which are spread across the country, even to the remotest bits, now host open discissions around sexual harassment. Previously a taboo topic, its introduction to mainstream demystifies myths around SH, and various stakeholders are given airtime to discuss the topic.

Overall, the journalists in the discussion admitted that staff turnover has reduced, and the workplace feels like a safe space. This is a great win for the championing of journalists, deemed key human rights defenders and also upholding their safety and protection. CHARM continues to support initiatives that seek to empower women to be able to use their voices to make a difference across sub-Saharan Africa.

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