Zirima appointed GMC National Director

Audrey Galawu

Media development and freedom of expression researcher Patience Zirima has been appointed as National Director at the Gender Media Connect, she takes over from the late Abigail Gamanya, who passed on in October this year.

Zirima said she hopes to ensure safety and justice for women in media who would have faced violation as they do their work.

“I am very excited and honoured to lead Gender and Media Connect and very thankful to the board for trusting that I can be able to fill the big shoes left by Abigail Gamanya.

“We hope to Increase the ownership of media houses by women, both in traditional and in digital media.

“We also need to see more change in the treatment of women in media and the implementation of policies that protect women.” Zirima said.

Zirima also said there is still much work to be done to protect women in the workspace and attacks of women as they do their work when they interview sources, attend rallies or demonstrations that could be dangerous for women.

The new Gender Media Connect National Director is also an analyst and advocate who is passionate about women’s rights.

She holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Media Studies, Post-Graduate Diploma in Media and Communications Studies and a Bachelor of Arts English Language and Literature and History.

She has worked as the Executive Director for Media Monitors, Media Alliance of Zimbabwe, Africa Programme Manager at International Press Institute and Policy Advocate Officer at Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe.