The Standard reporter Patrice Makova recently scooped the Federation of African Media Women in Zimbabwe (FAWMZ) award for gender-sensitive reporting in the print category while NewsDay correspondent Problem Masau was the first runner-up.
Makova’s award, which he won for a story published in the now-defunct The Mail, came with a floating trophy, a certificate and $200 prize money while Masau walked away with a certificate of recognition.
Freelancer Patrick Musira came first in the online category with The Zimbabwean correspondent Wallace Mawire taking the first runner-up while Columbus Mavhunga scooped the award in the radio category in which Nqolibile Malinga of ZBC was the runner-up.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Gender, Women’s Affairs and Community Development minister Olivia Muchena said most of the journalists in the country shun gender issues.
“I was talking to my deputy (Jessie Majome) that next year we will sponsor the awards. At least journalists will be motivated to report on the issue.
We don’t want a situation where the next generation will be still talking about the same issues of gender,” said Muchena.
Women’s University in Africa vice-chancellor Professor Hope Sadza said her university was considering introducing journalism studies biased towards gender reporting.
“As a Women’s University, we are considering introducing journalism studies with gender flair. Politicians have had acres of space in the newspapers but gender issues have been neglected,” said Sadza.
