Community radio stations empowered to champion gender justice
Godwin Gumbo
Representatives from 14 community radio stations across Zimbabwe gathered in Harare for a two-day programme organised by the National Association of Community Broadcasters (NACB).The event, in collaboration with the German-based Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), featured a Gender Justice Workshop on 25 September, followed by the Community Radio Fair on 26 September.
The workshop aimed at enhancing gender-inclusive programming, empowering broadcasters to address gender justice through their content and engaging their audiences more effectively.
In an interview, NACB Spokesperson Yvonne Buzwane emphasised the importance of inclusive programming.
“We are training radio presenters as well as station managers to improve their gender-inclusive content.It is crucial that community radios serve as platforms that reflect gender equality and challenge societal norms,” she said
Discussions during the workshop explored how community radios can better package content for their target audiences, debunking the myth of women as a homogeneous group. Presenters also highlighted the role of community radio in dismantling patriarchy and promoting diverse voices in broadcasting.
In addition to these discussions, participants received brief training on planning gender-just programmes. This practical guidance will equip stations with the tools needed to incorporate gender justice into their daily programming, ensuring marginalised voices, particularly women, are represented.
The workshop marks a significant step toward addressing gender justice issues in Zimbabwe’s radio broadcasting sector, an area that remains a challenge in many communities.
