As Uganda prepares to mark International Women’s Day on March 8, media practitioners are raising concerns over persistent sexual harassment in newsrooms, warning that it threatens women’s safety, confidence, and career growth.
According to a study by Women in News, 69% of female journalists in Uganda have experienced sexual harassment, often from supervisors or sources. Many cases go unreported due to fear of retaliation or losing their jobs.
Gloria Nakajubi, a media personality and social protection advocate, said that while celebrations like International Women’s Day help unite generations, they also mask a troubling reality.
Nakajubi argued that societal expectations still shape how women are perceived in their professions and personal lives.
“There is a certain expectation of who a woman should be based on how society is structured. The expectations have to change,” she noted.
She made these statements during a televised broadcast titled, “Women in Media: Progress, Possibilities, and Barriers that Remain,” on March 6th, 2025.
Dr Patricia Litho, a specialist in gender, media, and ICTs, urged society to uphold the roots of gender inequality.
She argued that the conversations around women’s empowerment must be grounded in history and structural inequalities.
“There is a need to reflect on the history and whether the injustices against women have gone away,” Dr Litho said.
She warned that exploitation in workplaces often goes unnoticed.
“Sometimes women are exploited, and they don’t even realize they are in a bad situation,” Dr Litho stated.
Across Uganda’s media landscape, more women are now anchoring prime-time news, leading editorial desks, and shaping national conversations.
However, systemic barriers, ranging from workplace harassment to cultural expectations.
Advocates say there is still urgent attention needed if the industry is to create a safer and more equitable future for the next generation of female journalists.
