Botswana, Nov. 19 — A few days ahead of 16 days of activism against gender based violence, the media operating under Media Parity Project are being trained on gender stereotypes.
The long week training currently going on in Gaborone under the French Media Development Agency – CFI together with the Southern African Women’s Rights Organisation Gender is imparting media on gender stereotypes and how they affect and shape stories in the newsroom.
Talking about the issue, Leadership Coach and workshop Facilitator, Ms. Pamela Dube indicated gender stereotypes relates to socially constructed beliefs about men and women.
She stated these are built through sayings, songs, proverbs, the media and religion. She explained this is where in the newsroom women will feel less inferior when they are meant to cover sports, issues of conflict and others while men will feel issues of breastfeeding or perhaps health belong to the women holistically.
Therefore, she encouraged for a safer space in the newsroom, the need for policy formulation to ensure mainstreaming of gender issues.
One of the journalists, Laone Rasaka of the Weekend Paper, stated the need for both male and female journalists to support one another so that each feels empowered to cover all issues in the newsroom without scaring off either men or women matters.
Meanwhile, a Gender Activist also working with Gender Links, Ms. Mantsabane Keabonye Tsabane told the Agency in an interview they are revamping the organization in Botswana with the intention to ensure it be revived as well in Lesotho.
“This will help in ensuring not only coordinated efforts but also continued training to the media for promotion of gender equality and equity,” she said.
Other issues under discussion also include sexual harassment amongst others.
It is further anticipated that discussion will further continue with break away sessions where together male and female journalists are trained in inclusivity issues.
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