Sexual harassment a threat to young journalists joining the profession

Bungoma,

Wednesday, September 6,

KNA, by Levi Ndamwe/Roseland Lumwamu

Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA) National Chairman William Oloo says that sexual harassment is hindering the growth of young journalists joining the profession from Colleges and Universities.

The media guru who spoke in Bungoma on September 4 during KCA elections, Western branch, adds that the menace has not spared existing journalists in the industry.

Oloo said however that the Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA) is working with other media stakeholders to address the sexual harassment concerns.

 “We have come to the conclusion after a series of meetings that sexual harassment is rampant in Kenya and Africa at large,” Oloo stated.

Oloo said that surveys conducted show that both female and male in the media houses get harassed sexually.

According to Oloo, sexual harassment is making many journalists flee the profession.

The National Chairman called on senior journalists in the profession to help new colleagues to execute their roles without fear.

He called on those who get harassed to report the incidents for immediate remedial action.

“We have developed an anti- sexual harassment policy that has been adopted by the top media houses in Kenya,” he said. 

He added that media houses will mainstream suggestions made on ways to deal with sexual harassment in the sector and adopt reporting channels.

Ben Lusenaka who was reelected the Western region Kenya Correspondent Association Chairperson lauded the members for unanimously re-electing him to serve in the position for the next three years.

He committed himself to leading fellow journalists in fighting the climate change crisis in the world by planting trees in Mt Elgon forest.

“I will ensure that KCA is on the forefront in fighting the climate change crisis which has become a major issue worldwide,” he said.

Courtesy; KNA