Veteran Female journalists from different media organizations have urged young female upcoming journalists to remain focused and work hard to stand out in the male-dominated Zimbabwean media landscape.
Speaking to female journalists in a women mentorship program organised by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Midlands during the weekend, veteran Female journalists who include Sunday Mail editor Victoria Ruzvidzo, Zimbabwe Independent newspaper editor Faith Zaba, ZiFM Stereo journalist Martha Mamombe, award-winning photo-journalist Anne Mpalume and Newshawks senior investigative journalist Bridget Mananavire encouraged journalists to be professional, hardworking and innovative in the media profession in order to become exceptional and rise to the top.
“Do not be a female journalist but just be a journalist, work extra hard than anyone else.
“As journalists, you should be passionate about your work, read widely and research so that you are always well informed in everything you do.
“It has not been easy over the years but I have managed to overcome the challenges which means you too can make it,” said Ruzvidzo who has been in the media fraternity for more than twenty years.
Zimbabwe Independent editor and one of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Journalism Womentorship program trainers, Faith Zaba echoed similar sentiments.
“It has been an emotional journey for me to get to where I am today, one needs to work hard and remain consistent in their work.
“Build your network where ever you go, make sure that you build your source base through networking and that will help you to grow in your career,” said Zaba.
Further, the veteran journalists gave the young journalists tips on sexual harassment in newsrooms which most young journalists said they were facing in their line of work.
The media trainers also mentored the junior reporters on professionalism.
“As journalists you should be professional in everything you do, including your dressing because dressing has an impact on the way you present yourself, respect your superiors and be a flexible person in your line of work, ” said Martha Mamombe.
During the meeting, the young journalists showered their seniors with words of appreciation for the knowledge and tips they received during the mentorship program.
“We thank you our sisters for dedicating your time to teach us these things, we have learned a lot in investigative journalism, how to make it to the top among other things,” said Community Voices Zimbabwe journalist and one of the program mentees Partinella Ngozo.
Meanwhile, Friedrich Naumann Foundation program manager Fungisai Sithole applauded the veteran journalists for dedicating their time to mentor the young scribes and she urged the juniors to continuously engage with their sisters in the journalism fraternity for guidance.
