International Women’s Day: A Call to End Sexual Harassment in Rwanda’s Media

Every year on March 8, the world celebrates International Women’s Day. This year, the global theme was “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.” In Rwanda, the theme was “A Woman is Valuable.” As part of the celebrations, three media organizations led by female journalists came together to address the persistent issue of sexual harassment in Rwanda’s media industry.

Progress in Combating Sexual Harassment

The Rwanda Synergy of Female Journalists Organisations was established under the Rwanda Media Programme with support from FOJO Media Institute, brings together members from three organizations: Women Media Owners for Change (WMOC), Association of Rwandan Female Journalists (ARFEM), and The Women in Digital Media (WDM). This synergy has played a crucial role in combating and preventing sexual harassment within the media sector.

On International Women’s Day, members of these organizations reflected on the progress made, including the adoption of an Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy now signed by over 60 media houses. Discussions also focused on the impact of sexual harassment and the support available to victims. The meeting emphasized the importance of the Gender Desk, which provides psychological support to affected journalists, helping them recover and continue their careers.

Chairperson of the Synergy, Madame Doreen Umutesi, praised the members for their participation, highlighting the importance of working together to find solutions to the challenges faced by female journalists. She expressed pride in the progress made, noting that what once seemed like an unattainable goal has now become a reality.

Testimonies and Call for Stronger Support

Key Chairpersons from the three organizations, including Ingabire Egidie Bibio, Uwera Astrida, and Regine Akalikumutima, shared their personal journeys in the media industry, detailing the obstacles they have faced and how they overcame them. They provided guidance on how to respond to incidents of sexual harassment and encouraged journalists to seek support.

Scovia Mutesi, a leader at Rwanda Media Commission (RMC) and a WMOC member, emphasized the need for strong support systems. She noted that many women struggle to advance in journalism due to a lack of support from their families and communities. “You can spend years in the media without making progress if your family does not support your career. But when you have that support, it makes a huge difference,” she said.

Annelie Frank, the Country Representative of FOJO Media Institute in Rwanda, highlighted that sexual harassment in journalism is not unique to Rwanda, sharing similar experiences from Sweden. She stressed that leaving the profession is not the solution; instead, protective measures should be implemented to create a safe working environment. She urged continued teamwork to ensure that young journalists enter the industry with confidence and security.

Clement Kirenga, representing UNDP, shared insights on how the UN tackles sexual harassment and emphasized a zero-tolerance policy. He encouraged media houses to establish committees to oversee the implementation of anti-sexual harassment policies, ensuring accountability and real change.

A Commitment to a Safer Media Industry

Several testimonies were shared by members, along with practical solutions. Representatives from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and other organizations also contributed to the discussion.

Sexual harassment in the media affects both men and women, but statistics show that women are disproportionately affected. The establishment of the Gender Desk is a crucial step in providing mental health support and helping survivors reintegrate into their professional lives.

The dedication demonstrated by these media organizations represents a major step forward in combating sexual harassment in journalism. By working together, they are creating a safer and more inclusive media industry for all.

By Mukantwali Magnifique