Herald scribes celebrate International Women’s Day

HERALD journalists yesterday joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Women’s Day, reflecting on their careers and sharing experiences in the newsroom.

The informal meeting was attended by senior female management staff, senior and junior reporters, female photographers and correspondents.

The women shared their success and challenges and gave each other advice on how to survive in the male dominated industry.

They noted that they were operating in a male-dominated environment, but there was room to excel and leave a mark in the industry just as their male counterparts.

Speaking during the commemorations, The Herald managing editor Victoria Ruzvidzo encouraged the female reporters to continue working hard.

“Having been in the newsroom for the past 25 years, I have learnt that our industry is male-dominated and for a woman to be recognised you must work 10 times harder,” she said.

“The experience in newsroom is based on survival of the fittest, so it takes a strong and passionate woman to make it as a journalist. As women we should help each other climb up the ladder,” she said.

Ruzvidzo said women should be patient and persistent for them to be in decision making positions in the media.

She said female journalists should not be like any other women in society, with a pull-her-down approach, but should love each other, unite and work together for a good cause.

“Usually women tend to be jealous of each other and it negatively affects our growth. We should know that the success of one woman is for us all and we should celebrate it together,” said Ruzvidzo.

Reporters shared the experiences and challenges they have encountered in the industry.

“I have been a reporter for several years and it has not been easy. There is no much room for growth and sometimes you end up getting demotivated, but I have learnt to embrace self-growth.”

Some also commended the newsroom for sharpening their journalistic skills.

“At first the newsroom was intimidating, but through effort and getting assistance from seniors I am now confident and I have bagged several awards.”

Memory Mangombe shared her experience as the first Zimpapers female photographer.

“At first it was difficult to be accepted as a competent photographer as it is known to be a masculine profession, but I had to soldier on and I had to prove that I was equally good. I got promoted a few months later and I am now covering high-profile events,” she said.