The Sunday Mail
Locadia Mavhudzi
Midlands Correspondent
YOUNG female journalists from various media houses in Midlands Province have benefitted from a mentorship programme aimed at strengthening their capacity to excel and become leaders in the media sector.
The mentorship programme, which ran under the theme “Women for the future” and was supported by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, was held recently in Gweru after similar mentorship programmes in Harare and Bulawayo earlier this year.
The Sunday Mail Editor Mrs Victoria Ruzvidzo, who was one of the facilitators, chronicled her journey in the newsroom over the past 28 years, reflecting on challenges and opportunities.
She equipped female scribes with a toolkit for surviving in the newsroom.
“Excelling in the newsroom, like any other profession, requires hard work and determination. You must be focused and execute your assignments with diligence. You must strive to meet deadlines and shun laziness at all costs.”
She said there were still few women in newsrooms.
“It is disheartening to note that many women undertake journalism training, but end up shunning the media space. The newsroom is not a scary place, always use your setbacks to step up the ladder. I urge you to go the extra mile, leadership does not come on a silver platter.”
Zimbabwe Independent Editor Faith Zaba urged journalists to pursue news beats they are passionate about.
“All beats in the newsroom are exciting; the secret is to maintain consistency. Do not be fooled by the belief that hard news and political desks are for the male colleagues. If you want to be a political reporter, go ahead and be daring as you execute your assignments.”
FNF programme officer Fungisai Sithole said that her organisation sought to equip young journalists through such initiatives so that they rise to the occasion.
Veteran photojournalist Anne Mpalume gave tips on emerging opportunities in digital media, while investigative journalist Bridget Mananavire spoke on the need for journalists to create and maintain a strong network of sources.
Partinella Ngozo, a young journalist from Kwekwe, said she benefited immensely from the mentorship programme and will be using the new-found tips in her newly established community online publication.
Chengeto Jani from Zvishavane said the mentorship programme has boosted her confidence in believing she can still excel in journalism as a freelance journalist.
