In recent times, the Zimbabwean media landscape has come under stark scrutiny following revelations of pervasive sexual harassment within its echelons. Dumisani Muleya, the Chair of the Zimbabwe National Editors Forum, shed light on this dark underbelly, implicating various stakeholders within the media ecosystem. The issue, as Muleya elucidates, is deeply rooted within the patriarchal social fabric that defines not only the media industry but the larger society as well.

The pervasive nature of sexual harassment is perpetuated and exacerbated by a complicit network comprising journalists, editors, media managers, Human Resources Departments, and proprietors. This network, intentionally or otherwise, facilitates an environment where sexual harassment thrives unabetted. The problem is further compounded by the lack of robust internal systems capable of addressing, managing, and remedying instances of sexual harassment. This systemic failure, coupled with systematic cover-ups, provides a fertile ground for perpetuation of this malfeasance.

The root cause of the problem can be traced back to the patriarchal social order prevailing in Zimbabwe. This system engenders a gender imbalance and skewed power relations between men and women, which transcend societal structures into workplaces, including the media industry. Gender inequality, as Muleya notes, is a significant driver of workplace sexual harassment, exacerbated by other forms of discrimination. The gender power imbalances aggravate individuals’ vulnerabilities, making the experience of sexual harassment particularly excruciating for the victims.

In shedding light on the gravity of the problem, Muleya highlighted a recent incident at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), where a supervisor sought sexual favours from a subordinate in exchange for a job transfer. This blatant quid pro quo case of sexual harassment is but a tip of the iceberg, emblematic of the pervasive nature of sexual harassment across the Zimbabwean media industry. This particular case not only underscores the moral decay within the media houses but also the catastrophic impact such acts have on the victims’ psychological and professional wellbeing.

Shockingly, despite the gravity and prevalence of the issue, most mainstream media organisations in Zimbabwe have opted for a path of silence, sweeping numerous cases of sexual harassment under the rug. The existing structures within media houses have proven inadequate in investigating and sanctioning culprits, thus perpetuating a cycle of abuse and harassment. This lack of accountability and the blatant impunity exacerbate the hostile work environment, particularly for women.

The narrative of gender inequality is further narrated by the glaring underrepresentation of women in Zimbabwean media. The few women who dare venture into this field often find themselves mired in a hostile environment, with many opting to exit the media industry for more accommodating fields such as public relations, marketing, and advertising. Those who remain in the media are often relegated to lower-ranking positions, subject to the whims and caprices of their male superiors. This systemic gender disparity gives male colleagues undue economic and social power, enabling a culture of sexual demands and harassment.

This dismal narrative paints a picture of a media industry in disarray, one in desperate need of systemic overhauls to address not only sexual harassment but the root cause – gender inequality. The call to action is clear: for a free, fair, and equitable media environment, the chains of patriarchal systems and the shadows of harassment must be shattered.