By Culton Scovia Nakamya
Journalism Journey:
After obtaining a Bachelor’s of Journalism from Makerere University, Caroline Nakazibwe embarked on her journalism journey with the tenacity of a lioness on the prowl, tirelessly seeking out story ideas that would captivate her readers. Her initial foray into journalism with the Daily Monitor provided her with invaluable experience and exposure, eventually leading her to find her passion as a health reporter. With dedication and perseverance, Nakazibwe explored topics tailored to every reader’s preference.
During her formative years as a reporter, Nakazibwe vividly recalls a story that challenged societal norms and values, creating waves both within the newsroom and among her sources. The story revolved around a non-heterosexual couple in Kyambogo entangled in a domestic violence case, a case brought to Nakazibwe’s attention by local leaders. Convincing her editors to cover the story was an uphill battle, as was gaining the trust of her sources, given Uganda’s stance on the rights of sexual minorities. After numerous negotiations, an interview was secured, with the condition of protecting the couple’s identity.
Reflecting on this story, Nakazibwe emphasized the importance of shedding light on such issues. “These are matters we cannot ignore. While their relationship might be deemed illegal, we cannot overlook the potential loss of life due to domestic violence. It is our duty to inform the public and policymakers about these realities,” Nakazibwe says.
Sexual Harassment in Newsrooms
The media industry has long grappled with a gender imbalance, with male journalists outnumbering their female counterparts. Nakazibwe points out that sexual harassment is a common problem, leading many female journalists to leave newsrooms in pursuit of alternative opportunities in public relations and other fields.
Nakazibwe herself remembers an incident where a supervisor made inappropriate advances towards her. Such occurrences often act as preconditions for favors, and some reporters are pressured until they concede. Nakazibwe notes that harassment affects female journalists at every level, from trainees and interns to editors and managers. Harassment, she explains, can come from both colleagues at work and sources in the field.
To combat this issue, Nakazibwe advocates for comprehensive education on journalists’ rights and various forms of sexual harassment. “When female journalists are empowered to set boundaries for their male counterparts, they can identify and address workplace harassment, ensuring their safety,” she asserts.
Gender Pay Disparities
With over two decades of experience in journalism, Nakazibwe has risen from a reporter to an editor. She is among the journalists that left the Daily Monitor when the late Kevin Aliro parted ways with Monitor Publications and, together with Nakazibwe, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda and others, established the Observer Media, a weekly publication in Uganda. Their aim was to further expand the realm of journalism in the country.
Yet, despite her journey from reporter to editor to manager, Nakazibwe has witnessed persistent gender pay disparities that discourage female journalists from thriving in newsrooms.
“Both men and women can hold the same positions within a company, but male counterparts often receive higher pay. This inequity demotivates many female journalists, as they feel their contributions are undervalued,” Nakazibwe stresses.
Finding Solutions
Nakazibwe believes that addressing these issues can help retain more female journalists in the profession. She highlights the need to close the gender pay gap, combat sexual harassment, and garner public support for the profession’s growth and transformation. In her view, journalism serves the greater good, and the public has a duty to support its development.
Under WAN-IFRA – Women in News, Nakazibwe is one of the journalists championing solutions to address the vice. This has seen her and others empower newsrooms to set up and implement sexual harassment policies and ensure that complaints are addressed.
Nakazibwe and “The Sex Talk”:
If you’re a regular reader of the Observer newspaper and in a committed relationship, you’re likely familiar with “The Sex Talk.” Many couples rely on this column to navigate the complexities of maintaining healthy marriages and reigniting intimacy and love.
During her tenure as a health reporter at the Daily Monitor, Nakazibwe received an assignment from her editor, David Ouma Balikowa, to create a column addressing frequently asked questions about reproductive health. Nakazibwe soon noticed that the majority of feedback came from married individuals seeking guidance on sexual matters. Thus, the column evolved into “The Sex Talk.”
Even when she moved to the Observer, Nakazibwe continued to pen this influential column.
“I realized it was making a difference in people’s lives and marriages. Whenever I contemplate discontinuing it, I receive emails from individuals and couples whose lives were positively impacted by something I wrote,” Nakazibwe shares.
Caroline Nakazibwe’s remarkable two-decade journey in journalism has not only illuminated critical social issues but also inspired change within the media industry itself. Her unwavering dedication, advocacy against sexual harassment, and commitment to bridging gender disparities serve as a testament to her legacy in Ugandan journalism.
