On December 12th, 2023, under the joint auspices of MenEngage Africa and the Sonke Gender Justice to acknowledge the tireless efforts of journalists who report on transformative gender work remarkably. It marked both the vivacious life and media expertise of Khopotso Bodibe, a former widely respected media specialist at Sonke whose remarkable contribution helped train and transform generations of journalists to respect human rights’ and report transformative on gender-related issues. We had the privilege to question the first-place awardee, Suzgo Chitete. Suzgo Chitete is an award-winning Investigative Journalist with over 15 years’ experience in both broadcast and print media.
He is currently working as an Assistant Bureau Chief (Lilongwe) for privately owned – Nation Publications Limited (NPL). Previously he has worked as a senior reporter for Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and as a field producer, correspondent and fixer for Al Jazeera, BBC and China Global Television Network.
Suzgo is also a media trainer under the MISA Malawi Training Centre. He is a passionate writer about public finance management, democratic governance and human rights including women empowerment.
Congratulations on winning the 1st place winner at the Inaugural MenEngage Africa award, how does it feel?
It really feels good. It’s a personal commitment to be part of the movement that is working to change the gender narrative. These stories are a product of this commitment. I feel duty bound to make this contribution. It’s a huge incentive to get recognition/award for this contribution. This challenges me to do more.
What impact do you think such an accolade will have on your career?
It means a lot. It is a push factor for me. Look, this was a regional competition and to scoop the first position means a lot; that our journalism is competitive and also our work is getting the attention of the world. I guess it does not just end with me getting the prize but also that issues raised in the articles have the attention of stakeholders who matter. We do not just have to be proud as a publication that we have scooped the first position, but it means that we have to find creative means of sustaining the momentum to tell a much better story than we have done before.
The premise of the award ceremony was to acknowledge the work that Journalists are doing to achieve gender equality. Why is it important to use gender transformative approaches in your reporting?
This helps to change the narrative and inculcate a positive mentality among our audience. There are things we have considered normal in our societies that have led to the gender gap or imbalance in terms of opportunities, where males have ended up wielding too much power. This therefore calls for sensitivity or awareness when reporting gender issues so that no gender is disadvantaged. It also helps for media houses and individual journalists to have a deliberate approach which empowers both genders.
What are some of the challenges you face as a journalist reporting on advocacy issues in your country and how do you overcome them?
One of the issues is that there are not many women news sources due to power imbalance and therefore one needs patience to develop some. Women are naturally guarded and therefore may not be so willing to grant interviews or provide information hence there is need for strategic engagement to build trust. It is these women’s voices which will motivate others to equally open up. Due to tight deadlines, we have rushed to easy-to-get sources who are mostly males. This calls for editorial policies that are deliberately designed to promote gender and our publication is already doing this. We also have a significant number of females in decision-making positions which has also helped to easily promote a balanced narrative.
Tell us about how your reporting, based on gender transformative approach, has influenced advocacy work in your community.
It has in many ways. Some of our stories have led to community participation; demanding action from duty bearers but also influenced policy. I have in mind stories about women not allowed to own land in some parts, this has influenced national dialogue which may potentially impact policy.
There is also an anti-rights movement on the rise. How do you stay true to the principles of journalism?
Of course, I am also a member of MenEngage Alliance Malawi/ Gender Equality Now which is a strong support system in reporting gender issues. We have endured name calling simply because we have published stories that sometimes have not gone well with some members of society such as termination of pregnancy and issues to do with sexual minority rights. We cannot stop writing on account of journalism.
How do you collaborate with CSOs in your community tell their stories
Being a member of relevant bodies such as Men Engage Alliance this connects me to a wider community of relevant stakeholders. I have also, through this, developed a long source list. These are source of information; both in sharing tips and commentary
What would you like other journalists to learn or adopt going forward with regards to working reporting issues such as GBV and SHRHR?
I would say the fact that issues of GBV and SHRHR are obvious and common shouldn’t stop us from reporting about them. Gender based violence, for example, is rampant and has been reported on. It’s easy to dismiss such stories for familiarity breeds contempt. But I would say we must not tire of reporting about gender injustices. We must think about these stories from multiple perspectives; it has a bearing on the economy and national development. Malawi being a country with more females than males it only makes sense to have a level-playing field for both genders for purposes of national development. We must learn to contextualize these stories when reporting and in doing so these won’t be tired stories. Editors love stories captured within context and so are readers hence Journalists simply have to fully familiarize themselves with issues of gender to report with proper context which captures public interest.
What do you commit to do going forward?
I will remain an advocate for gender justice and will use my space to advance for change. Being a member of the Men Engage Alliance national chapter, I will ensure that we grow the number of Journalists involved in this chapter. I will use this award to encourage others to see value in reporting gender issues. This will be a motivation to others for it sends a strong message that our journalism is competitive. Resources permitting, I will also use my role as a media trainer to popularize gender issues to Journalists, especially community broadcasters. Community broadcasters can equally play a crucial role in changing the narrative since they are close to the people.