DOCSLIB.ORG

Inspiring Media Houses to Adopt Gender Equality As a Priority

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Inspiring Media Houses to Adopt Gender Equality As a Priority Gender and Media Inspiring Media Houses to Adopt Gender Equality as a Priority 26-28 October 2016 Gender Links Cottages Johannesburg Why a Gender To have Policy - Aim equal To ensure gender balance and treatment sensitivity in the media house To strive for and achieve and in its editorial content, gender equality for both opportunities programming and marketing men and women in the to create a strategies. media house conducive environment in the workplace. To promote the full participation and empowerment of both men and women in programmes; confronting the social and ideological barriers; and encouraging initiatives for basic rights to rid any form of discrimination, including sexual harassment. Botswana media houses What is joined over 100 SADC unique is media houses to Aims and that media mainstream gender in Buy In managers content and institutional and editors practice through Gender gave a Links Media programme Media houses committed to buy-in to the place deliberate strategies process. to level the playing field such as developing gender Seven media policies to guide their houses (COEs) operations. signed MOUs with The media houses had to Gender Links address: giving • institutional issues commitment • human resources practice to the • sexual harassment, • advertising and marketing and process. • editorial content. Explanations Seven Courting the media media houses, (COEs) The Voice, The Echo, Mmegi, Sunday Standard, Yarona FM, Gabz FM and Duma FM developed and signed to commit to the gender policy after many explanations.. It was essential to get the media houses to sign Memorandums of Understanding with Gender Links - Not an easy task! Inhouse workshop Include all departments of the media house for the training. Publishers, Editors, administration etc Media houses discuss the need for a a Gender Policy. Interactive forums. Task force Everyone should members participate. are chosen from the media houses. They discuss the crafting of a policy. Editors Gender Policy always templates ‘busy’ so the meetings Task Force members were short. crafted the final policy From 07h30 using templates from to 11h00 inhouse workshops Botswana Editors meet NT to discuss Gender issues E FACILITAtor’s FACILITAtor’s COMM 1 Breakfast NEWSROOM LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT: Powerpoint Presentation OBJECTIVES force members that initially crafted the Policy had moved somewhere else. However, whoever took part in the Policy meeting for Botswana Media Gender Policy Booklet was given credit. • To discuss final Botswana Media Gender Policy She shared: “This policy was done by media houses, and • To adopt the policy when I read it I felt quite proud of all of you. • To sign the Statement of Commitment The Gender Policy is something that we all did together; we had a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Editors to discuss seven Centres of Excellency being; Echo, Mmegi/Monitor. MEETING was convened for editors and The Voice, Duma FM, Ya Rona fm, Gabzfm and Sunday media owners to discuss the final Bot- Standard/The Telegraph. A swana Media Gender policy. This was a very long journey and I am proud to say that the booklet. A presentation on Newsroom Management and the Task Force members came up with a very good policy Leadership was made which was interactive and and apparently I am told Gender Links Head Office love it. editors all participated. They expressed that the breakfast meeting was long overdue and a good “It has now come to a finale and from all the meetings we forum for editors to meet and discuss issues. have had we have come up with a final product that Print- ing and Publishing Company of Botswana has volunteered They shared that since their media houses signed to print. the Memorandum of Understanding with Gender “I hope that we are going to put this Policy into effect. It Links they have been sensitized about gender issues. should be incorporated in our Company Rules and Regula- tions and new staff members should be orientated about Beata Kasale-Kabango shared that media person- it. Most of the participating media houses have an HIV nel really migrated. For instance some of the task Policy which most people do not know about. Task Force members change jobs and have to be replaced at the media houses. Important to have a contact person. Task Force members met frequently during the process Time to NEWSROOM commit AND LEADERSHIP Editors adopt the Botswana Gender Media Policy 2 Newsroom Management and Leadership REPORT NEWSROOM LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT: Powerpoint Presentation We have all these policies, we know they are there, I have heard people complaining about women and mother- but have we always forget about them after putting so hood that is, taking care of children, taking them to see a much time and effort in crafting them. doctor, having to stay at home when the Helper is absent etc, and the point is, we take it for granted that the woman is By Kelly Kasale The HIV&AIDS Workplace Policy and Code of Conduct the one who should provide care for children. Where are the August 13, 2013 will soon be coming out of the drawers as the Depart- men? Cresta Hotel ment of Labour and Home Affairs is visiting compa- nies asking about HIV&AIDS workplace policies for On the other hand women should also find ways that enable Gaborone, Botswana employees. them to cover stories at remote parts of the country without presenting a fragile personality. They should also strive to Gender is also taking centre stage, because most cover other beats as politics, business and sports. countries are saying that it is high time gender is main- streamed into institutions, governance and politics. OBJECTIVES When we talk about gender we do not refer to women, but because there is a disparity in the newsrooms • To discuss the ethical requirements for gender-fair regarding women we shall always lean towards them, newsroom management not that we are saying that women should hold posi- tions of power simply because they are women. • To gain an understanding of the gender dimensions of newsroom and leadership The Voice has women in management positions, but this just happened and was never deliberately planned Leadership that way. But these women proved themselves to be in • Leadership – “guiding from the front” those positions. • Providing the vision and example that others to - follow Newsroom Manage • Leadership involves some management skill Crucial for the publishers ment and Leadership to sign the statement of workshop for editors commitment to ensure to discuss Gender there is implementation issues and the Policy BOTSWANA Gender MEDIA Policy GENDER POLICY launched ENTRES OF EXCELLENCE C OTSWANA OTSWANA COMPILED BY B WHERE 1 ARE THE WOMEN? asks Dr Nasha, Speaker What of the NationalBOTSWANA Assembly The Gender Policy was MEDIA REPORT GENDER happens to POLICY finally launched by the INVITATION then Speaker of the newly Parliament, lauched August 29, 2013 BOTSWANA MEDIA GENDER POLICY Dr Margaret Nasha Cresta President Hotel Gaborone, Botswana Printed by Printing and Publishing Company of Botswana Policy? BOTSWANA MEDIA GENDER POLICY ACTION PLAN Action Strategic Objective Actions Who Time Frame Indicators Targets for achieving gender Disseminate the policy & get management Gender Links & Sunday Standard 2 years Attain the set targets Parity by 2015 on boar on gender mainstreaming through Mangement workshops Plans Selection and recruitment Develop a transparent, gender sensitive H.R & Management 2 years Stop the use of offensive language policy Management & legal advisor Language Develop a guide for the use of language in Management H.R 1 year Gender mainstreamed into policies the workplace Gender is mainstreamed into all Review existing policies/ rules & regulations Company legal advisor 2 years Make staff aware of policy and ensure they “Actions speak loud- Policies to ensure gender sensitivity and management and HR utilize it. mainstreaming Updated sexual harassment policy Develop a sexual harassment policy Section heads and Editors 2 years er than words.” EDITORIAL Immediate Have aspecific number of gender specific Increase coverage of gender specific Have gender specific stories in all sections Assignment Editor But Botswana media stories. issues Ensure balance of sources Have a balanced pool of sources Management & Assignment Editor 1 year Gender balanced sources houses now have Assign specific beats on rotational Engage management in the rotation of Immediate More versatile workforce basis reporters across the beats. Management & Assignment Editor Build up data base of sources Establish gender data base. Develop new angles and and approaches Gender as a part of Encourage reporters to add as many sources Management/Editor and 1 year as possible to gender data base. Genderlinks resource Build gender into review and Establish a self monitoring system and Management and Human 1 year Use of gender sensitive language their mandate. planning meetings including gender in the agenda of the Resources Management weekly reviews Guidelines and training session on Editor Workshops Immediate Diversity in content language BOTSWANA The media houses MEDIA drafted action plans with GENDER A MEMBER OF THE BOTSWANA CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE POLICY timelines. MMEGI ACTIOIN PLAN However these have to be reviewed for post 2015 inhouse creations 2013 Gender mainstreaming BOTSWANA MEDIA GENDER POLICY INVITATION 2 Way forward A woman in Printed by Printing and Publishing Company of Botswana WELCOMING GUEST OF HONOUR: MmaNasha leadership flanked by Kasale and Ntsabane 4 Way Forward - Nine Steps should show PRESENTING THE FINAL DRAFT OF THE POLICY: Beata left with Kelefilwe Kasale taking notes of the proceedings others so as to have a gender Botswana Media unite to mainstream gender dimension in content and in top management positions AST THURSDAY was a mile- sha who was the Guest speaker, as well as UNFPA especially at the stone for media in Botswana as Country Representative, a Gender Policy was launched Lto be used by practitioners in Aisha Camara-Drammeh, Kelebogile Kgabi from the their studios and newsrooms as well Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, the Attorney ENTRES OF EXCELLENCE C top because new as the boardrooms.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • OSAC Country Security Report Botswana
    OSAC Country Security Report Botswana Last Updated: July 28, 2021 Travel Advisory The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Botswana at Level 4, indicating that travelers should not travel to Botswana due to COVID-19. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System. The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Peace Index 2021 ranks Botswana 41 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as being at a High state of peace. Crime Environment The U.S. Department of State has assessed Gaborone as being a HIGH-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Botswana. Review the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure. Crime: General Threat Criminal incidents, particularly crimes of opportunity (e.g., purse snatchings, smash-and-grabs from parked cars and in traffic, residential burglaries), can occur regardless of location. Theft of mobile phones, laptop computers, and other mobile devices are common. Criminals can be confrontational. Criminals often arm themselves with knives or blunt objects (e.g., tools, shovels, bats). Botswana has strict gun-control laws, but criminals reportedly smuggle firearms from neighboring countries where weapons are inexpensive and readily available. A public awareness campaign highlights this issue and requests the public report illegal firearms to the police. Reporting indicates instances of non-violent residential burglaries and violent home invasions. Incidents affect local residents, expatriates, and visitors alike. Robberies and burglaries tend to spike during the holiday seasons.
    [Show full text]
  • African Media Barometer
    AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER The first home grown analysis of the media landscape in Africa BOTSWANA 2014 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER The first home grown analysis of the media landscape in Africa BOTSWANA 2014 Published by: Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) fesmedia Africa Windhoek, Namibia Tel: +264 (0)61 417500 E-mail: [email protected] www.fesmedia-africa.org © This work is licensed under the Creative Commons’ Attribution-NonCommercial - ShareAlike 2.5 Licence. ISBN No. 978-99945-77-20-0 The sale or commercial use of all media published by the Friedrich- Ebert-Stiftung (FES) and Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) is prohibited without the written consent of the FES and MISA. The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed in this volume do not necessarily reflect the views of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung or fesmedia Africa. fesmedia Africa does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. CONTENT SUMMARY: 7 SECTOR 1: 11 Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, is effectively protected and promoted. SECTOR 2: 27 The media landscape, including new media, is characterised by diversity, independence and sustainability. SECTOR 3: 43 Broadcasting regulation is transparent and independent; the State broadcaster is transformed into a truly public broadcaster. SECTOR 4: 51 The media practise high levels of professional standards. WAY FORWARD: 63 The African Media Barometer (AMB) The African Media Barometer (AMB) is an in-depth and comprehensive description and measurement system for national media environments on the African continent. Unlike other press surveys or media indices the AMB is a self- assessment exercise based on home-grown criteria derived from African Protocols and Declarations like the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa (2002) by the African Commission for Human and Peoples’ Rights.
    [Show full text]
  • Gender Policy Report
    WHERE 1 ARE THE WOMEN? asks Dr Nasha, Speaker of the NationalBOTSWANA Assembly MEDIA REPORT GENDER POLICY INVITATION BOTSWANA August 29, 2013 MEDIA GENDER POLICY Cresta President Hotel Gaborone, Botswana Printed by Printing and Publishing Company of Botswana BOTSWANA MEDIA GENDER POLICY INVITATION 2 Printed by Printing and Publishing Company of Botswana WELCOMING GUEST OF HONOUR: MmaNasha flanked by Kasale and Ntsabane Botswana Media unite to mainstream gender in content and in top management positions AST THURSDAY was a mile- sha who was the Guest speaker, as well as UNFPA stone for media in Botswana as Country Representative, a Gender Policy was launched Lto be used by practitioners in Aisha Camara-Drammeh, Kelebogile Kgabi from the their studios and newsrooms as well Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, the Attorney ENTRES OF EXCELLENCE C as the boardrooms. General, Dr Atthalia Molokomme, renowned lawyer and Gender Links Volunteer Rahim Khan, Bala repre- An initiative of Gender Links, (GL) funded sentative Rre Manthe and Rre Roy Sesana. OTSWANA OTSWANA by UKAID, the Botswana Media Gender COMPILED BY B Policy is a product of seven media houses. Welcoming guests, GL Botswana Country Manager, Keabonye Ntsabana commended the media houses The participating electronic and media for taking the first step to recognize the importance practitioners signed Memorandums of of mainstreaming Gender not only in content but Understanding with GL to become Centres also in institutional practice. of Excellence (COEs). The Gender Policy Project Consultant and Facilita- Participating media houses who crafted tor, Beata Kasale-Kabango clarified the fact that the and adopted the Policy were Duma FM, Policy was not only concerned about women, but YaRona FM, Gabz FM, Mmegi/Monitor, men as well.
    [Show full text]
  • African Newspapers Currently Received by American Libraries Compiled by Mette Shayne Revised Summer 1999
    African Newspapers Currently Received by American Libraries Compiled by Mette Shayne Revised Summer 1999 INTRODUCTION This union list updates African Newspapers Currently Received by American Libraries compiled by Daniel A. Britz, Working Paper no. 8 African Studies Center, Boston, 1979. The holdings of 19 collections and the Foreign Newspapers Microfilm Project were surveyed during the summer of 1999. Material collected currently by Library of Congress, Nairobi (marked DLC#) is separated from the material which Nairobi sends to Library of Congress in Washington. The decision was made to exclude North African papers. These are included in Middle Eastern lists and in many of the reporting libraries entirely separate division handles them. Criteria for inclusion of titles on this list were basically in accord with the UNESCO definition of general interest newspapers. However, a number of titles were included that do not clearly fit into this definition such as religious newspapers from Southern Africa, and labor union and political party papers. Daily and less frequently published newspapers have been included. Frequency is noted when known. Sunday editions are listed separately only if the name of the Sunday edition is completely different from the weekday edition or if libraries take only the Sunday or only the weekday edition. Microfilm titles are included when known. Some titles may be included by one library, which in other libraries are listed as serials and, therefore, not recorded. In addition to enabling researchers to locate African newspapers, this list can be used to rationalize African newspaper subscriptions of American libraries. It is hoped that this list will both help in the identification of gaps and allow for some economy where there is substantial duplication.
    [Show full text]
  • African Media Development Initiative: Botswana Context © BBC World Service Trust Figure 10: Total Number of Newspapers
    Botswana Country Report Context 7. Newspapers 7.1 Key changes and developments in the newspaper marketplace in the past five years For almost 15 years after independence in 1966, the state-owned print media in Botswana operated virtually without challenge or competition. The only brief competition was posed by local newspapers Linchwe (based in Mochudi), Mmegi Wa Dikgang (in Serowe) and Puisanyo, all of which had folded by 1973. Even then, “all three exhibited loyalty and sympathy towards the government of the day as well as the absence of crystal clear, stable and easily discernible editorial policies” (Rantao, 1996, p. 8). Then in the 1980s and 1990s, five weeklies – Mmegi, The Botswana Guardian, The Botswana Gazette, Midweek Sun and The Voice – appeared to compete with the state-owned Daily News, which the government prints and distributes free of charge to the nation. In the past five years, there has been a proliferation of new newspapers. However, there are still only two daily newspapers, the privately-owned Mmegi and the government-owned Daily News, in the country. The rest are all weeklies. This means that the Botswana print media is dominated by weekly newspapers of variable quality and focus. The Daily News, which has the widest circulation, continues to be the country’s most important medium of information and communication, followed by radio. It is the only regular link connecting remote rural areas to the rest of the country free of charge. There have been a limited number of largely unsuccessful attempts to start magazines. A few general interest magazines were started in the past five years, including Dumela (Hello) and Flair, but all folded after a year or two.
    [Show full text]
  • National Broadcasting Board Audience Survey
    National Broadcasting Board Audience Survey for the Broadcasting Sector in Botswana Report (Volume I) April 2013 ~ 1 ~ Broadcasting Audience Survey 2012/2013 Table of Contents LIST OF FIGURES........................................................................................................................................................... 3 LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................................................................. 4 APPENDICES .................................................................................................................................................................. 5 ACRONYMS .................................................................................................................................................................... 5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................................. 6 KEY FINDINGS ................................................................................................................................................................ 7 Radio Broadcasting Findings ........................................................................................................................................... 7 Television Broadcasting Findings .................................................................................................................................... 9 COMPARATIVE
    [Show full text]
  • Botswana Has Enjoyed 42 Years of Multiparty Democracy Since Gaining Independence from Britain In
    Panelists expressed fears of monopolistic trends in the market, as private media companies’ attempts to diversify and expand market share have been restricted to either buying smaller outlets or creating partnerships with foreign media. B OTSWANA 12 MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY INDEX 2008 INTRODUCTION OVERALL SCORE: 2.34 B TSWANA Botswana has enjoyed 42 years of multiparty democracy since gaining independence from Britain in 1966. The country has since been governed by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and has witnessed O the smooth transition of power to four different presidents. Despite the stability, opposition parties and Bpolitical commentators continue to call for electoral reform away from winner-takes-all to a proportional representation system. Calls have also been made for direct presidential elections. The BDP has resisted change, adopting an “if it isn’t broken, why fix it?” position. Economically, Botswana has continued to be one of the strongest performers on the African continent, with a growth rate of around 6 percent. The country appears to have been relatively insulated from the global slowdown, but analysts suggest this may not last. The strong economy is good for media, but with a population of fewer than two million people growth potential is limited. Panelists expressed fears of monopolistic trends in the market, as private media companies’ attempts to diversify and expand market share have been restricted to either buying smaller outlets or creating partnerships with foreign media. Panelists expressed disappointment that a government policy to promote competition and diversity has yet to be introduced. There are also concerns that private media sustainability is undermined by unfair competition from state-controlled media.
    [Show full text]
  • BOFEPUSU Undecided
    Botswana Guardian BotswanaMay 15, 2020 Guardian www.botswanaguardian.co.bw www.botswanaguardian.co.bwwww.botswanaguardian.co.bw1 May 15, 2020 www.botswanaguardian.co.bw 1 Est. 1982 Est. 1982 Fearless and Responsible Fearless and Responsible ISSUEISSUE 3: 3: Friday Friday 15 15 May May 2020 2020 Alcohol industry proposes ways to open BOFEPUSU business undecided Dikarabo Ramadubu BG reporter he Botswana Alcohol Industry Association T(BAIA) has made pro- posals to government on how best their businesses Majaga could operate during the difficult time of COVID-19 laws. Alcohol traders are among The fall of Majaga those hard hit, they were the first to be ordered to close BDP exploring a 5-year suspension or SEE PAGE 3 expelling Majaga from the party The MP is currently suspended from the party for 60 days as he faces a defilement case Majaga likely to ditch ruling party to become Independent MP SEE PAGE 4 STORY ON PAGE 4&5 BotswanaBotswana Guardian Guardian 22 BGBGMARKETS MARKETS www.botswanaguardian.co.bw www.botswanaguardian.co.bw MayMay 15, 15, 2020 2020 Lucara lengthens credit line with Canadian bank Zim downCape Town pandemic BGAnglo reporter director, Nova Scotia for a year to May 5, “As part of the extension, andZimbabwe is The coronavirus headed for Ramatlapeng 2021.EFT The Bank continues of Nova Scotia until Lucara obtains greatera clar health- outbreak and economic in South Lucara Diamond Corporation, has first ranking security by way ity on its cash flow projectionscatastrophe Africa has from hit hard the- theretires BSE listed miner has extend- of a charge over the Company’s in the short-term, Lucaracoronavirus has est in the pandemic Western ed its $50 million (about P500 Karoweto assetsbe and investor’sa guarantee agreed to limit capital expendi- because Cape,its debt home arrears to mean the million) revolving term working by the Company’s subsidiaries, tures related to the underground city of Cape Town.
    [Show full text]
  • Bocra Customer Satisfaction Survey
    BOCRA CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY DRAFT FINAL REPORT PREPARED BY THE BOTSWANA INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPMENT POLICY ANALYSIS (BIDPA) DATE OF SUBMISSION: 04/12/2015 TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................................... v TABLE OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................................. vi LIST OF ACRONYMS .......................................................................................................................... vii FOREWORD ...................................................................................................................................... viii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................... ix FIXED LINES .................................................................................................................................... ix MOBILE SECTOR .............................................................................................................................. x INTERNET SECTOR ........................................................................................................................... x POSTAL SERVICES ........................................................................................................................... xi BROADCASTING SERVICES ...........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • RESPONSES to INFORMATION REQUESTS (Rirs)
    RIR Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada www.irb-cisr.gc.ca Français Home Contact Us Help Search canada.gc.ca Home > Research > Responses to Information Requests RESPONSES TO INFORMATION REQUESTS (RIRs) New Search | About RIRs | Help The Board About the Board 29 March 2011 BWA103714.E Biographies Employment Botswana: Domestic violence, including legislation, state protection, recourse and Legal and Policy services available to victims (2007 - February 2011) References Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa Organization Chart The Botswana satellite office for Gender Links -- a South African non- Publications governmental organization (NGO) that promotes gender equality according to the Tribunal provisions of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Gender and Development (Gender Links n.d.a) -- published an SADC, Gender Decisions Protocol barometer study on Botswana in 2010 (2010). The SADC Protocol on Forms Gender and Development contains measures that help advance gender equality and Immigration Appeal ensures that SADC member states are held accountable (Gender Links n.d.b). The Division report indicates that, in 2007, 1,596 cases of rape and attempted rape were reported in Botswana and that 101 women were murdered in domestic violence- Immigration Division related cases (Gender Links Botswana 2010, 43). According to the report, the Refugee Protection majority of violence committed against women in Botswana is domestic (ibid.). The Division report also indicates that the Botswana Police Service found, through its own Statistics research, that "most women … find it difficult to report domestic violence" because in some instances, the perpetrator had been in the same room as the victim at the Research time of reporting; police officers have "negative attitudes" towards the person Research Program reporting; and, there are not enough female officers on staff to attend to these National types of calls (ibid., 44).
    [Show full text]
  • ECFG Botswana 2021R.Pdf
    About this Guide This guide is designed to prepare you to deploy to culturally complex environments and achieve mission objectives. The fundamental information contained within will help you understand the cultural dimension of your assigned location and gain skills necessary for success. Botswana ECFG The guide consists of 2 parts: Part 1 introduces “Culture General,” the foundational knowledge you need to operate effectively in any global environment. Part 2 presents “Culture Specific” Botswana, focusing on unique cultural features of Botswana’s society and is designed to complement other pre- deployment training. It applies culture- general concepts to help increase your knowledge of your assigned location. For further information, visit the Air Force Culture and Language Center (AFCLC) website at www.airuniversity.af.edu/AFCLC/ or contact AFCLC’s Region Team at [email protected]. Disclaimer: All text is the property of the AFCLC and may not be modified by a change in title, content, or labeling. It may be reproduced in its current format with the expressed permission of the AFCLC. All photography is provided as a courtesy of the US government, Wikimedia, and other sources as indicated. GENERAL CULTURE CULTURE PART 1 – CULTURE GENERAL What is Culture? Fundamental to all aspects of human existence, culture shapes the way humans view life and functions as a tool we use to adapt to our social and physical environments. A culture is the sum of all of the beliefs, values, behaviors, and symbols that have meaning for a society. All human beings have culture, and individuals within a culture share a general set of beliefs and values.
    [Show full text]
  • State of the Media in Botswana, 2001
    State of the Media in Botswana, 2001 By Francis B. Nyamnjoh Associate Professor, Dept. of Sociology FSS, University of Botswana P/Bag UB00705 Gaborone Tel: (267) 3552674 (work) Tel: (267) 319282 (home) Cell:(267) 71655649 Fax:(267) 585099 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Introduction The 2000 report on media-government relations in Botswana sounded a relative note of optimism, which has been seriously tempered by events and developments in 2001. Relations between the government and the media have grown tenser, and mutual suspicion between the two has increased remarkably. It would appear that both are fast catching up with the reality of government-media relations elsewhere in Africa, making Botswana’s commitment to liberal democracy under increasing scrutiny. What accounts for such change of tone and direction? In what way have the media and the government given each other reason to rethink the importance of tolerance and freedom of expression as the foundation of liberal democracy in Botswana? Government Relations with the Private Press In the eyes of the Botswana government, in 2000 the critical private press, through perceived sensational, slanderous, often professionally and unethical coverage and reporting of the government (the President and vice president especially), gave the government reason to tighten the rules of the game of journalism in 2001. The government was not happy with the levity and disrespectful manner in which President Festus Mogae and Vice-President Ian Khama were constantly portrayed by some newspapers. We reported how in 2000 The Botswana Guardian http://www.nyamnjoh.com/ 1 accused the president and his government of callous disregard to the plight of the poor, portrayed him as “shrinking” to the whims and caprices of his vice-president, and of snubbing the Ombudsman’s recommendations which sought to bar the vice President from flying the Botswana Defence Force helicopters and taking public officers with him to political rallies.
    [Show full text]