Women invite media into gender discussion

EPHRAIM KEORENG
Staff Writer | Monday August 16, 2010 00:00

She said the media is supposed to be the voice of the voiceless and not just concentrate its efforts in the media conferences where speeches are read. Alexander also complained that HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence issues coverage has gone down, urging that they should be at the top of the agenda. 'Our media workshops do not translate into deliverables. Maybe we need to find a better methodology to bring out results,' she said.

Meanwhile media representative, Kaombona Kanani of Echo said some women are reluctant to comment on issues claiming that they are too sensitive. He said at one time it took him three hours to get a comment from a woman who was reluctant to be quoted on a story he was writing.

The journalist implored women to show that indeed they are serious by supporting Dr Habaudi Hubona, a female candidate in the Tonota North constituency at the campaigns and polls on September 4. 

He also told women to be close to journalists and become their sources of information, saying that way they will get a lot of coverage. Also commenting on the discussion, gender activist, Dr Pinkie Mekgwe, said women need to be more proactive by ensuring that they are also covered in the media. She called for the unpacking of language by gender activists so that women can use language that is entertaining, attractive and interesting.

Another participant, a woman, said she has observed that women give up easily especially when the odds are against them.

'However, I have been impressed by Tebelelo Seretse of the BDP, who, despite her name being muddied, soldiered on in politics. That is what all of us should do,' she said.

The comment prompted BNF activist, Rhoda Sekgororoane, who has tried her hand in general elections without luck in the past decade to remark that:

'I won't give up. I have stood for election and failed since 1999. I will keep standing until I get what I want,' she said.