Better look out: Okurut warns journalists who sexually harass their female counterparts

By Najib Mulema

The Minister in charge of General Duties Mary Karooro Okurut has lashed out at male journalists who have made it a tendency to sexually harass their female counterparts saying that they should look out.

The minister made the warning during the first Gender Mainstreaming Project Workshop in Kampala on Wednesday.

The workshop under the theme, “Re-discover to re-impose” was organised by International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT).

She said some male journalists think it’s their right to harass female journalists yet it’s a crime which is punishable by law.

“Some people are not aware that sexual harassment is very abnormal and those male journalists with such a vice should better look out,” Okurut cautioned.

She also noted that although women are currently doing somehow great due to empowerment, they still face challenges as far as gender equality is concerned.

“This is why it’s very crucial to undergo gender mainstreaming in that when you media people write about women you do it in a very careful and gender sensitive manner,” the minister said.

Adding, “Not all women in the media or elsewhere are aware that they are in bondage (chains), you will find them unfairly criticising their fellow folks. While writing about women, we should start concentrating on their character rather than their looks.”

Okurut further tipped IAWRT to start carrying out research projects if they are to achieve their set goals.

“If we talk about gender mainstreaming, research is very paramount. I will help you secure funding to carry out the projects so that we can present actual data since it’s our responsibility to push our agenda on an informed point of view.”

At the same event, Professor Nassanga Goretti Linda from Makerere University’s Department of Journalism and communications said gender mainstreaming is a process that involves motivating, inspiring, teaching and learning from each other.

“Gender mainstreaming is a joint effort. It requires teamwork and don’t just talk about it, implement it if we are to have a successful gender sensitive media,” she said.

“Some of you have been exposed to gender awareness trainings but you do not do what is required of you. I think editors should enforce gender mainstreaming through assigning reporters to write gender sensitive stories,”

Dr. Maggie Kigozi, IAWRT patron advised women in media to be authentic, consistent and have principles if they are to go on top of their game.

“Some ladies lack confidence and information to pull them up, that’s why IAWRT is important when it comes to empowering them,” she said.

On the other hand, Caroline Bunga Idembe, a lawyer and women activist said gender inequality brings about Gender Based Violence (GBV). She urged that when it comes to empowerment, opportunities should be availed to both males and females in order to bring out the real meaning of equality.

She also admitted that regardless of gender, uneven power relations always result in one party being worse off than the other which leads to social imbalances.

Meanwhile, Eunice Nankwanga, IAWRT President Uganda Chapter said they want to reduce the gap between men and women in production through massive mentorship programmes.

Mike Ssegawa, a media consultant concurred with Counsel Linda on the issue of equal empowerment for both men and women.

He said a more equitable society is ideal other than giving an advantage to someone basing on their gender.

“We should create environment where both men and women thrive,” he said.

The IAWRT Uganda Mentorship, is an initiative themed under ‘Re-discover to Re-impose’ aimed at creating a sustainable pool of media gender mainstreaming ambassadors through training.