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Rumbidzayi Zinyuke Senior Reporter

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has called for an end to violence and harassment of women in media to enable them to show their full potential as professionals.

Speaking at the commemorations to mark the International day to end impunity for crimes against journalists today, Minister Mutsvangwa said the New Dispensation was cognisant of the availability of capable women in the media industry and was keen to see them occupy strategic positions.

“Violence against women must never be tolerated and all efforts must be taken to ensure that women feel comfortable to practice their trade. We know women are good, and we have had quite a number of women over the last three years who have gone up the ladder in the media industry, and we need more of those. No Government can leave behind 52 percent of their population,” she said.

She said matters of gender equality were no longer just issues of human rights, but of the development of the country and its economy.

“Government has been encouraging media houses to have gender policies and safety mechanisms for female journalists, including against sexual harassment,” added Minister Mutsvangwa.

She called on journalists to respect the law and avoid provoking the police as they go about their duties to avoid conflict.