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Amos Tayebwa
Mbarara
Women’s Media Association (WOMA), under the Women’s Organisation, in collaboration with CCEME, urged women journalists and professionals to be assertive and fight against the evil of sexual abuse in and outside the workplace. Most girls are mostly persuaded and placed in sexual activities instead of jobs and other privileges.
Addressing journalists at a press conference at Acacia Hotel, Nbarala on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, WOMA Legal and Protection Officer, Praise Rukundo, said most junior women workers face sexual harassment from their superiors while working in the fields. The accusation was attributed to lack of generous bosses, with some taking advantage of someone’s job application and asking for sex.
This question was raised by Cosline Nakayira Agasaro, a journalist for a media outlet in the country and a member of WOMA. She revealed that most young female workers face challenges of sexual abuse, which is common among their sources and workplaces.
She further noted that there are also a few female trainees who have managed to enter the field.
“I have been through this game and I know the story, most people in our workplaces and offices, especially the bosses, want to sleep with them and dump them. Because some of our young sisters have no sensitivity, they don’t know the tricks. Most of them get used and dumped, then they go out and curse their careers, but there are some successful women who have made it because of their courage and focus,” said Nakaila.
She also called on company bosses and department heads to empower female employees by giving them higher and more sensitive positions and achieving gender balance so that they can inspire others who would like to work in the company.
“If you look at the famous talk shows we have on national radio, you will find that only male journalists are doing them. There are not many women journalists in these positions and that’s because people think we can’t do it all, so we are underestimated in certain positions. But as WOMA, we want to make sure such voices are heard,” she added.
Rukundo called on female workers, especially journalists, to be brave and say they have the right to refuse when their superiors ask them to have sex.
“I want to tell you, women and girls who have started working, young girls who are growing up, they need to be sensitive and learn to say no. Not every man will approach you and ask you for sex, promise you a job and then you open your legs to him. Maintain your dignity as a woman. I want to encourage all women in this field, if you are a victim, be able to report the case to the police, if the police do not do anything, you can go to court to seek justice. You can also report your case to us through WOMA, as long as there is evidence, we will find a better way to deal with your case,” said Rukundo.
According to Rukundo, WOMA has been around for a few years but is dedicated to promoting freedom of expression by ensuring the safety of journalists, media workers and human rights defenders in Uganda. They also mobilize grassroots women human rights defenders in Uganda to promote freedom of assembly, association and expression.
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