By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe– A new chapter in empowering women journalists is being written in Bulawayo, where a three-day Womentorship Journalism Fellowship Programme, sponsored by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Zimbabwe, opened today at Ten on Brooke Boutique Hotel.
The programme, which runs to Sunday, September 28, brings together some of the most formidable names in Zimbabwean media to mentor young female journalists navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry.
The fellowship opened with a powerful keynote address from Victoria Ruzvidzo, the trailblazing first female editor of The Herald.
In its decades-long history. With over 40 journalism awards and a career spanning more than 30 years, Ruzvidzo challenged participants to build resilience in newsrooms often stacked against women.
“Survival in the newsroom is about grit, skill, and refusing to let stereotypes define your trajectory,” she said, urging participants to transform challenges into steppingstones for success.
Her presentation struck a chord with attendees who acknowledged the harsh realities women face from discrimination to systemic sidelining in Zimbabwe’s journalism landscape.
Adding to this discourse, Faith Zaba ,editor of The Zimbabwe Independent, shared her personal struggles, including her recent detention over alleged criminal defamation charges, with her trial set for October 31.
Zaba underscored the risks faced by women covering politics and investigative stories in Zimbabwe, often under threats of arrest or harassment.
“The power lies in your research, adherence to ethics, and the courage to press forward. That’s how you thrive even when the environment is hostile,” she told participants.
The workshop also tackled niche areas such as photojournalism, with seasoned photographer Annie Mpalume highlighting the subtle but sharp gender biases that affect women in the field.
Mpalume urged participants to embrace creativity in framing their shots, saying a single photograph could dismantle stereotypes and tell stories words sometimes cannot.
From broadcast media, Eben Mabuda, a presenter with ZTN Prime, added a modern twist to the conversation.
He emphasized personal branding and versatility in the digital age.
“Be a one-man riot squad multitask, work hard, and build a brand that speaks before you do,” Mabuda advised.
The Womentorship Journalism Fellowship was introduced to Zimbabwe under the auspices of FNF to provide mentorship, networking, and skills-building opportunities for women journalists and students.
Since its inception, the programme has transformed into a nurturing hub that encourages female reporters to take leadership roles, challenge patriarchy in the media industry, and drive development reporting.
Past fellows have gone on to lead newsrooms, pioneer investigative stories, and contribute to policy-shaping conversations on media freedom.
This year’s Bulawayo edition continues that tradition, reinforcing the belief that mentorship is not just about sharing knowledge but about lighting a path for the next generation.
As the workshop progresses through the weekend, the voices of Zimbabwe’s women journalists grow louder, more confident, and more united proof that when women lead in storytelling, society listens differently.