By Midlands Correspondent
Female journalists have been were challenged to use the existing information law to tackle hard hitting business and political stories that unearth malpractices in society.
Addressing female journalists at a recent workshop in Gweru, Zimbabwe Independent newspaper Editor Faith Zaba said gone are the days when women in the media were relegated to soft beats in the newsroom.
“We are now in the era of shaping journalism for the future,” she said.
“Women should be daring and embrace hard beats such as business reporting and political reporting.
“The laws of this country are advocating for equality and non-discrimination hence it is your choice as females
to take up the responsibility to fill the existing gaps in the media sector.
“The enactment of the Freedom of Information Act in July this year, which repealed the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) is providing opportunity for journalists to have access to information and be able to write and inform the public in your various publications I urge you to respond to your duty to inform the public.”
Zaba said there was need for female journalists to be fearless, chronicling the journey she has traversed in the past 28 years of her career.
“ From my own experiences I can safely tell you that women are very much capable and have a brighter future in the media landscape,” she said.
“It takes courage and determination.”
Another facilitor at the workshop, Sunday Mail Editor Victoria Ruzvidzo said excelling in the newsroom, like any other profession, required hard work and determination.
” You must be focused and execute your assignments with diligence,” she said.
“Always strive to meet deadlines.
“You must shun laziness at all costs.”
Ruzvidzo said the number of women in newsrooms were still low and young journalists had an opportunity to address the imbalance.
During the same workshop, veteran photojournalist Anne Mpalume gave tips on emerging opportunities in digital media.
” Photo journalism is growing in the digital space,” she said.
“You can now sell your photographs to leading international news publications.
“It takes your creativity as well as knowledge to know the photographic trends that attract large audiences.
“I urge you all to become photojournalists because that is part of the critical demands of modern day journalism.
