ZUJ on Cartoons and pictures programmes of accountability

The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) has begun the process of implementing a program that will use visual media such as cartoons and pictures to enhance accountability while ensuring the safety and protection of journalists.

This was said by ZUJ Secretary General, Foster Dongozi, during a public debate on professionalism, gender and media ethics.

"One of the programs is the use of visual media to expand, diversify and promote dialogue on public accountability and human rights. These visual media would include photographs and cartoons taken by both male and female journalists."

In addition, the Union will work on the safety of the journalists as part of the program, particularly female journalists and photo journalists who were regularly targeted for attacks.

The Secretary General said work on the safety and protection of journalists would ensure accountability on the rights of journalists.

One of the Union's interventions would include a training program for female journalists on safety.

He said the rights of female journalists were fundamental which was why the Union was working to improve the working conditions of journalists, cartoonists and photo journalists.

Dongozi, urged media houses to have in place effective gender policies that will speak to imbalances that exist between women and their male counterparts in the media industry to increase the production and effectiveness of the organisations.

"We realise that for the organisation to be very effective they have to be properly gendered they need to be properly representative of both women and men, said Dongozi.

Apart from sexual harassment; gender roles, gender discrimination, poor working conditions and low salaries, journalists also had to contend with an unsafe working environment.