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JOURNALISM UNFOLDED Yvonne Muchaka:Insights on Women In Journalism
Women are increasingly making footprints in the media although at a slow pace.
There are significantly higher numbers representing women than when l joined the media.
IM: introduce us to Yvonne Muchaka as a Journalist in brief. Your background on how you started in journalism your educational background, career development stages, and where you are now?
YM: My name is Yvonne Mashayamombe Muchaka, and I have a passion for broadcast journalism, having started my journey at Harare Polytechnic and finishing off at the Christian College of Southern Africa.
With a passion spanning over 15 years, I have largely worked as an information officer in an organisation for over 11 years, before venturing into the media space in 2019.
The highlight of my career came at Zimbabwe Daily, where we brought innovatively and creatively to communicate the major story of the day.
I now serve as a consultant for digital/online media platforms and a freelance journalist.
I am a holder of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Development from the Women’s University of Africa and a Diploma in Christian Ministry from the Apostle B Java School of Ministries.
IM: You have been in local journalism for a long time; do you see changes in women’s representation in media?
And what is the status of women in the news media? How has the portrayal of women in media changed locally and globally?
YM: I've witnessed significant changes in women's representation in media, with more women taking on leadership roles and diverse stories being told.
However, there's still a long way to go in terms of balanced representation and nuanced portrayals of women in general.
The portrayal of women in Zimbabwean media on the other hand has equally undergone a significant transformation, showcasing more women in leading roles, diverse characters, and stories that delve deeper into women's issues and empowerment.
There has been a reduction in the objectification and sexualization of women, and more women are holding leadership positions in media houses and production companies.
The media is also challenging traditional stereotypes and giving more attention to women's issues like gender-based violence, equal pay, and political participation.
Additionally, digital media has created new platforms for women's voices to be heard, with female bloggers, podcasters, and social media influencers making their mark.
While there is still room for improvement, the progress made is a step towards more inclusive and accurate representation of women in Zimbabwean media.
IM: Women empowerment is very much misinterpreted for feminism; do you think today's media is portraying a non-biased picture of feminism or it is still being portrayed in a negative light??
YM: Today's media has made progress in portraying feminism but still struggles with accuracy and balance. While some outlets strive for nuanced representation, others sensationalize and stereotype, perpetuating harmful misconceptions.
The media often focuses on the elite, and more radical women's experiences, neglecting diverse perspectives. However, with digital media on the rise, there is a growing effort to amplify marginalized voices and showcase the complexity of feminist experiences.
To improve representation, it's essential to support inclusive storytelling, avoid stereotypes, and engage in respectful dialogue.
By doing so, we can promote a more accurate understanding of feminism and its core principle of gender equality.
IM: How have you managed to juggle work, home, and ministry I understand you are hands-on with that with your Morning Devotion special every day on the Zim Daily platform.
YM: So yes, for three years I served at Zimbabwe Daily with a focus on the broadcast side of things and as overall team leader It has been a privilege, to watch the platform grow from a followership of 100k to 453k within that span
Bringing innovative ways of telling the story Together with the team, we managed to make the cartoon the most prominent part of the platform, and it changed the whole dynamics We brought the platform right to the people, bringing people's silent thoughts to life, and people like that
But as a person who is honing a skill and growing in diversity, I have moved on to consultancy, and building my brand, true to my faith in God, my passion for media and development, and as I strive to become more financially independent
MG: What can local Zimbabwean media houses do better or improve to support local women’s empowerment?
YM: Let me start by saying, that female journalists need to step up and amplify fellow women in the media We face the same challenges in the communities, at home, in the economic space, and in every aspect .
Let us document these stories of resilience and let us support each other
So, yes, local Zimbabwean media houses can better support women's empowerment by increasing representation and amplifying women's voices, stories, and perspectives
They can achieve this by hiring more female journalists and editors, creating content that challenges gender stereotypes, and showcasing women's achievements and contributions to society
Additionally, they can provide platforms for women to share their experiences and views on issues like gender-based violence, reproductive rights, and economic empowerment By doing so, they can help shift the narrative and promote a more inclusive and equitable society
Furthermore, they can also engage in investigative journalism to expose genderbased injustices and hold those in power accountable, ultimately contributing to a more just and empowered society for women.
So let us empower female journalists, let us resource them to cover the stories that matter to them, not spike stories because as editor, you don't like the sounds of victory. Women are powerful and can facilitate development if we give them a chance.
IM: Gender Equality and women’s rights have been making an impact on social media platforms ever since social media became the main platform for activism worldwide, what measures can be taken to have the same impact using journalism to support the modern working woman who is career-oriented or an entrepreneur?
YM: Journalism can support the modern working woman by amplifying their stories, challenges, and achievements, and holding those in power accountable for gender-based injustices.
Measures can include in-depth reporting on gender pay gaps, sexual harassment, and reproductive rights; profiling women entrepreneurs and executives; and creating dedicated sections or publications focused on women's issues.
Additionally, journalists can use datadriven reporting to expose gender disparities and investigate policies and practices that perpetuate gender inequality.
By leveraging the power of journalism, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society that values and empowers women in the workplace and beyond.
On that same note, let us support our female journalists. You know, sometimes our biggest hindrance is another woman, who takes business to a man or refuses a female journalist an interview but grants it to a male colleague.
Of course, people have preferences but give that girl child an opportunity. One interview at a time, they will grow in proficiency.
IM: What challenges have you faced in an industry that has been largely dominated by men? Share with us your achievements over the past years.
YM: Well as someone who has covered mostly politics and political activities, being caught in the crossfire is one of them.
At one point, while I was practicing my photojournalism as part of my photography portfolio, I was arrested and charged with criminal nuisance as I took photos during a COPAC gathering, back in 2012.
IM: What advice would you give to other young people who are inspired to pursue journalism at full-time in our country?
YM: You must be bold, and fearless and set your boundaries. Have values. Journalism is not child's play; it is a very powerful tool for transformation.
If used wisely, it can unite, bond, and support peace initiatives. If not, it can break you. There is no story worth your virtue.
There is no story worth your life. If you want to succeed, don't use gender as a trump card.
Work hard, be professional, be true to yourself, and be objective. You have it in you, respect yourself, and those around you, will equally respect.
