By Delicious Mathuthu
The Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) has warned sex predators in the media sector that their days are numbered and appropriate action will be taken once sexual abuse cases are reported.
The warning comes as the ZMC has mooted a sexual harassment draft policy following an outcry in the number of sexual abuse cases being reported in the media industry, on the spotlight being the country’s sole public broadcaster, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).
In a statement, the ZMC said it is concerned by the proliferation of sexual abuse and harrassment being reported in the media industry, calling for a zero tolerance to such.
“The Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) is deeply concerned about sexual harassment and sexual abuse that is reported to be rampant in the media sector.
“The reports received from our interface with practitioners and other stakeholders indicate that the practice has become endemic and deeply entrenched in the media industry,” reads part of the ZMC statement.
“The ZMC is calling for a zero tolerance to the scourge irrespective of the position, class, status and gender of the alleged perpetrators,” further reads the statement.
The commission said it will not ignore the scourge, and all media organisations and institutions must create safe spaces where sexual harassment cases can be safely reported.
“There must be safe spaces for everyone in the newsrooms and other workspaces. As the Regulator of the Media Industry in Zimbabwe, the ZMC shall not turn a blind eye to the cancer that threatens to destroy the industry.
“The ZMC urges survivors to report any violations and harassment to their organisations’ sexual harassment committees, immediate authorities, or to any preferred entity within the media sector, victim-friendly units of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, as well as the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, among other centres, to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable,” the Commission said in the statement.
Immediate disciplinary and suspensions should be taken once cases are reported to protect victims from other harrassments and intimidations, the Commission said.
A Sexual Harrassment Policy targeting the media sector has already been mooted in an attempt to arrest the growing sexual harassment and abuse cases in the media industry, with the ZMC hopeful that it will soon be launched
“It is our hope that the validation of the Draft Sexual Harassment Policy that the ZMC held on Wednesday 27th September 2023 in Harare, continues gaining traction within the media sector to rid our society of this cancer.
“…As part of its continual efforts to professionalise the media industry, as well as create safe workspaces for all our practitioners and stakeholders, the ZMC looks forward to adoption and launching of its Draft Sexual Harassment Policy that has a zero tolerance for any form of sexual abuse,” ZMC said in the statement.
The Commission, however, warned against making false reports saying those caught in the wrong will be appropriately punished.
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