Ugandan Editors Pledge Safer Newsrooms After Sexual Harassment Report

Editors and media leaders in Uganda are calling for improved safety and working conditions following the release of a concerning report on sexual harassment in the industry. The findings indicate that a significant portion of media workers have been subjected to harassment, prompting a strong response from the Uganda Editors’ Guild.

During the Fourth Uganda Editors’ Convention held in Jinja, participants acknowledged the growing challenges faced by journalists, particularly in the digital age. The convention, which brought together media owners, managers, and development partners, emphasized the need for innovation and sustainability within the media sector.

President of the Uganda Editors’ Guild, Daniel Kalinaki, urged leaders to prioritize the welfare of journalists, especially those outside urban centers. He stressed the importance of essential benefits like health insurance and better working conditions as crucial investments for journalist resilience and organizational strength.

A key focus of the convention was the launch of a report by WAN-IFRA Women in News Uganda Chapter. This study, part of a global initiative, found that 40% of Ugandan media workers surveyed have experienced sexual harassment, a figure higher than the African average. While cases have slightly decreased since a 2020 survey, the problem remains pervasive, with many incidents going unreported.

The report highlighted that women disproportionately experience verbal, physical, and online harassment. Disturbingly, it also documented instances of sexual violence within the sector. Presenters emphasized that such harassment negatively impacts journalists’ well-being, confidence, and productivity, urging the industry to confront the issue directly.

Discussions at the convention led to agreements on the necessity for robust institutional safeguards, clear workplace policies, and effective reporting mechanisms. Several editors shared personal experiences and stressed the responsibility of leadership to mentor and protect upcoming journalists from exploitation.

The convention concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to foster financially sustainable media organizations, improve journalist welfare, uphold ethical standards, and strengthen collaboration across the industry in an evolving digital landscape.

This article is based on information from Nile Post.