According to reports that we have received, the biggest culprits include politicians such as Members of Parliament, ministers and business people.
The story first published in the Standard of June 19-25 of an MP who allegedly knowingly infected a colleague with HIV is one example reflecting the levels of extreme vulnerability of female journalists.
Sexual harassment of female or male journalists will not be tolerated and the Union will do all in its power to protect its members.
We are in discussion with partners to implement projects to fight sexual abuse targeting female journalists at the workplace and in the course of their normal duties.
We would like to warn perpetrators and would be perpetrators to desist from this despicable behavior of preying on female journalists.
The Union will not hesitate to name and shame the perpetrators of such heinous atrocities.
We therefore urge our members going through the trauma of sexual attacks not to suffer silently but to speak out.
For those based in Harare, there will be a discussion forum on issues to do with Sexual Harassment on Thursday, June 30. We will advise you of the venue and time. Similar outreach exercises will be made to different parts of the country so that we have an understanding of the extent of this scourge.
Inserted by ZUJ Secretary General, Foster Dongozi on behalf of the Gender Mainstreaming Committee: Blessed Mhlanga, Jenifer Dube, Nyasha Maravanyika and Sheila Mahlatini.
Post published in: Politics