"News Bae" calls for more female journalists in cl...

"News Bae" calls for more female journalists in climate change reporting

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

Rumbidzai Takawira, the popular journalist affectionately known as "News Bae," has urged her fellow female journalists to take a more active role in climate change reporting. In an interview on the sidelines of Women for African sustainability summit in Harare, Takawira emphasized the importance of authentic storytelling and capacity building in addressing environmental issues.

“As journalists, we have a unique platform to educate, entertain, and inform the public about critical issues like climate change,” Takawira said. “But to do this effectively, we need to deepen our understanding of the complex dynamics at play.”

According to Takawira, many climate change stories are superficial, lacking the depth and nuance required to truly engage audiences. She stressed the need for journalists to invest in capacity building and gain a solid grasp of agricultural, renewable energy, and climate dynamics.

“By telling more authentic stories, we can inspire people to take action and contribute to climate change adaptation,” Takawira explained. “But we must also break down the jargon and make these issues accessible to everyone, from the seasoned environmentalist to the ordinary citizen.”

Takawira also highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and the importance of female journalists leading the narrative. “Women face unique vulnerabilities to climate change,” she said. “By telling our own stories, we can ensure that their experiences are heard and addressed.”

As a prominent figure in Zimbabwean journalism, Takawira’s call for more female journalists to join the climate change reporting ranks is a significant step forward. By empowering women to tell their stories and advocate for environmental justice, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for all