By Fanuel Chinowaita
MUTARE, April 24, 2026 – Journalists, content creators and social media influencers from different media houses in Mutare on Wednesday attended a community training workshop on Positive Narratives for the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), organised by the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) and Gender Media Connect (GMC).
The workshop, held at the Methodist in Zimbabwe premises near Dangamvura Rank, brought together media practitioners to discuss the role of the media in promoting responsible reporting and ending harmful narratives surrounding gender-based violence.
Participants discussed the importance of ethical and survivor-centred reporting, with facilitators urging journalists to avoid stereotyping, victim blaming and sensationalism when covering GBV-related stories.
The training also focused on different forms of gender-based violence experienced both at home and in workplaces. Facilitators explained that GBV includes physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and economic abuse, adding that many victims continue to suffer in silence because of fear, stigma and discrimination.
Discussions highlighted that GBV in workplaces can include sexual harassment, intimidation, discrimination and unfair treatment, while violence at home often involves physical abuse, emotional manipulation, verbal abuse and financial control.
Speaking during the training, one participant said the workshop had opened their eyes to the impact media reporting can have on survivors of violence.
“As journalists, we shape public opinion through our stories. We need to report in a way that protects survivors and promotes healing instead of causing further harm,” said a local journalist who attended the training.
Another participant, a social media influencer from Mutare, said content creators also have a responsibility to challenge harmful stereotypes online.
“Social media can either fuel violence or help stop it. We have learnt the importance of using positive narratives and respectful language when discussing GBV issues,” she said.
Rutendo Makamure, who represents people living with disabilities, urged journalists and content creators to respect the dignity and privacy of persons with disabilities when reporting and publishing content.
“It is not good to take our pictures without our consent and publish them. Journalists must protect us and respect our rights and dignity,” said Makamure.
She encouraged media practitioners to prioritise consent, ethical storytelling and the protection of vulnerable groups when covering community issues and GBV-related stories.
Another participant, Khalima Muponda, encouraged women to work towards becoming economically independent, saying empowerment can help reduce cases of GBV.
“Women must wake up and work for themselves. Men prefer women who are independent and not those who always depend on them for everything. When women become independent, cases of gender-based violence can decrease,” said Muponda.
She added that economic empowerment gives women confidence, decision-making power and the ability to escape abusive relationships.
Facilitators at the workshop emphasised that the media plays a critical role in influencing attitudes and behaviours in communities, adding that balanced and sensitive reporting can contribute to the prevention of violence against women and girls.
The training also encouraged participants to produce stories and digital content that promote gender equality, respect and community awareness.
Journalists from various media houses, community media platforms and digital content spaces attended the workshop as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen media engagement in the fight against gender-based violence.