Zimbabwe has taken another decisive step toward strengthening Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) following the successful training of journalists from various media platforms on inclusive reporting within the education sector. Organized by the Education Coalition of Zimbabwe (ECOZI), in collaboration with key education stakeholders, the specialized media training equipped journalists with practical skills, critical perspectives, and modern tools necessary to produce gender-sensitive and socially inclusive content. The initiative is geared toward elevating marginalized voices and dismantling harmful narratives that often shape public perceptions of education.
The training comes at a pivotal moment, as Zimbabwe’s education sector continues to reform in line with the nation’s Heritage-Based Education philosophy—an approach that seeks to make learning reflective of Zimbabwean identity while integrating global standards to enhance competition and relevance on the international stage. The media sector stands at the center of these reforms. As a powerful shaper of public discourse and influencer of national policy, the media plays an essential role in ensuring that conversations around education are balanced, factual, and inclusive.
At a time when the nation is striving to ensure that no learner is left behind, responsible reporting becomes more important than ever. During the workshop, journalists participated in case studies, scenario-based exercises, and group analyses that challenged them to rethink traditional reporting methods. They were encouraged to adopt rights-based, gender-responsive approaches that highlight the lived experiences of girls, children with disabilities, and learners from marginalized and hard-to-reach communities—groups who have historically received limited attention in mainstream coverage.
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The training also exposed gaps in media representation and urged journalists to become active champions of equity through their storytelling. Discussions underscored the role of inclusive journalism in advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Participants received a GESI Media Toolkit, which includes a Gender and Inclusion Analysis Tool designed to help journalists evaluate gaps in their stories and strengthen the inclusivity of their reporting. See AlsoCimas Boosts Paediatric Cardiac Care in Landmark Surgical Camp Cimas Boosts Paediatric Cardiac Care in Landmark Surgical Camp
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