SEXUAL HARASSMENT TOPS CHALLENGES FACING WOMEN JOURNALISTS

Sexual harassment to women journalists is still a challenge in Kenya today.

This emerged from discussions on gender and safety and security of journalists in a just concluded two days workshop for members of local journalists associations held at a Kisumu hotel.

Women journalists cited intimidation by colleagues, stereotypes and rape as other challenges facing them in their line of duty.

Victor Bwire, the deputy CEO, Media Council of Kenya ( MCK ) encouraged Women journalists to be cautious and vigilant whenever carrying out their journalistic assignments and always be ready to report about any harassment cases to the relevant bodies for action .

The Kenya Correspondents Association chairperson, William Oloo Janak urged male journalists to offer solidarity, support and understanding to their female colleagues and defend them where possible.

He encouraged journalists to form support and advocacy groups such press clubs, journalists associations and networks in their towns to discuss and exchange ideas on these challenges and recommend solutions.

Oloo said the women should begin documenting instances of harassment whether sexual, physical or any other which they should then share with women rights bodies and journalist advocacy organisations.

Importantly he encouraged women journalists to seek safety training and counseling services from different organisations to deal with these unique challenges and also begin to support one another by building networks among themselves at the county and national level.