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Coalition condemns violence and sensationalised media coverage of tragic death of Rutendo
Women's Coalition
July 22, 2002

The Women's Coalition condemns the violent end to the life of Rutendo, wife of lawyer and Member of Parliament, Learnmore Jongwe.

In even stronger terms, the sensational and biased coverage of such a tragic and sensitive event has to be censured in the most resolute manner possible.

The media has the power to shape people's opinions. The media has a responsibility to its consumers, both male and female to cover this story as objectively and as professionally as possible. Rutendo Jongwe is not able to defend herself or to speak out on what transpired between the two before she died.

The Women's Coalition said the tragic and violent death of Rutendo has sent shock waves throughout the nation and this tragedy should have been covered in a manner that would highlight one of Zimbabwe's inherent problem - which is violence against women.

Gender violence in any form or manner for whatever reason must be condemned as a violation of one's rights, moreso when the result is the death of a partner or spouse.

Media reports portray men as being provoked into committing offenses and overlook the tragedy of gender violence. If anything, the manner and coverage of the event seems to indicate the media is trying and convicting Rutendo while providing a defense for Learnmore Jongwe. It is allowing the public to form the opinion that domestic violence is acceptable if the female spouse is allegedly unfaithful.

The Women's Coalition therefore calls for the media to be sensitive to social and gender injustice and report them as such.

Issued by: Federation of African Media Women – Zimbabwe on behalf of the Women's Coalition of Zimbabwe

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