SECTOR 2

Scores:
Individual scores:
1

Country does not meet indicator

2

Country meets only a few aspects of indicator

3

Country meets some aspects of indicator

4

Country meets most aspects of indicator

5

Country meets all aspects of the indicator

Average score:

1.5 (2012 = 2.2; 2010 = 1.3; 2008 = n/a;
2006 = n/a)

2.7 All media fairly represent the voices of both women and men.
Women are not fairly represented in Zimbabwean media, and a recent baseline
study commissioned by the Federation of African Media Women Zimbabwe
(FAMWZ) shows that only 17% of voices in the media are those of women, with
males making up the bulk of news sources.
While some panellists posited that “the problem is that women don’t want to
deal with many of the issues covered by the media, and don’t want to speak or
have their photos taken even for voxpops”; others argued that “women are ready
to talk and provide insights, but the media haven’t used this. They all think it’s a
men’s game.”
“Mainstreaming is what is lacking, and this should be everyone’s business, not
just that of women.”
FAMWZ has worked hard to change the perception that there are no women
sources, and has published a directory of female news sources called ‘According
to Her: A Database of Women as Sources of News’’. In addition, the organisation
conducts extensive research on gender issues in the media.
Some panellists complained that “Female journalists themselves are not
championing the cause,” but agreed that being a female journalist shouldn’t be
solely about writing about women. “Journalists should be able to reflect society.”
Panellists also complained that journalists lack the skills and training to effectively
ensure that their reporting is balanced when it comes to ensuring the fair voices
of men and women.

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZIMBABWE 2015

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Select target paragraph3