BULAWAYO – Community Podium, a Bulawayo-based digital media and activist organization, has initiated a process to develop its first dedicated anti-sexual harassment policy. This proactive step, undertaken with technical support from Gender Media Connect (GMC), aims to create a safer and more inclusive environment for its diverse workforce, including remote community journalists and online contributors.

The inception meeting, held on June 13, 2025, involved key Community Podium staff and GMC representatives. It highlighted the organization’s unique hybrid identity as both a media house and an activist platform, operating predominantly in the digital sphere. This online focus necessitates a policy that specifically addresses digital forms of harassment, a growing concern in the media and content creation landscape.

Currently, Community Podium relies on a general Code of Ethics, with no specific provisions for sexual harassment. While no formal cases have been reported within the organization, leadership recognizes the critical importance of a robust policy, particularly given its youthful culture and commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. The organization is also in the process of registering as a Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) to comply with national regulations.

Discussions during the meeting centered on key policy elements, including zero-tolerance statements, clear definitions of harassment (verbal, physical, visual, and online), confidential reporting and investigation procedures, protection against retaliation, and disciplinary measures. Training programs to build awareness and prevent harassment were also emphasized.

Community Podium plans to consult widely with its full-time staff, community-based journalists, interns, volunteers, and external network members through questionnaires to ensure the policy is inclusive and reflects their lived experiences. The organization also expressed interest in benchmarking against peer organizations in the digital and civic media sectors across Africa to learn from their anti-harassment frameworks.

The next steps involve GMC distributing a stakeholder questionnaire, conducting research on comparative policies, and facilitating a follow-up session to begin co-designing the policy framework. This initiative underscores Community Podium’s commitment to fostering a safe and respectful working environment, both in-person and online.