The Voice made another first yesterday, on World Press Freedom Day, launching a comprehensive HIV/AIDS and Gender Policy.
The policy, the first of the Media Action Plan (MAP) driven processes, will guide the newspaper in dealing with issues of HIV/AIDS and gender.
The Voice believes that it is the moral responsibility of each individual including its staff and the public to curb the spread of the HI virus.
In her remarks, the newspaper's Consulting Production Editor, Emang Bokhutlo, noted that the comprehensive policy was a result of every staff member's concerted effort.
She said with respect to the newspaper's editorial practices, it is hoped that all stories and photographs
published would be based on the principles and ethics of good journalism with respect to HIV/AIDS.
Bokhutlo added that these practices shall, among others, include developing a health and gender desk and increase coverage of HIV/AIDS which will enable the paper to publish at least one story on the pandemic and also a column by a person living with HIV/AIDS.
Furthermore, Bokhutlo cautioned her team to guard against gender-based assumptions and prejudices.
"We should make sure that coverage of HIV/AIDS take into account views of various stakeholders. We also need to take heed of the fact that people living with HIV/AIDS are consulted and voices of women and men living with HIV are given equal access."
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The newspaper's Marketing and Advertising Manager, Lisa Kasale concurred with Bokhutlo that the policy comprised of each individual's views and that every member of staff should be applauded for making
the time to come up with such a comprehensive policy.
She noted that The Voice guided by the policy will not advertise any HIV treatment products that are misleading and scientifically inaccurate or unsubstantiated information, which my lead to undermining of its competitors.
"If the product is doubted, it may be confirmed through legal procedures. The best action would be for the advertising representative to go though the material before placement and that The Voice will ensure that ethical guidelines and codes of HIV/AIDS advertising are applied."
Kasale said an HIV/AIDS committee, to include at least one senior member in each department, would be formed.
When officially launching the policy, the guest speaker, Keabonye Ntsabane of Gender and Media in Southern Africa (GEMSA) gave The Voice a pat on the back for being the first newspaper to come up with such a policy.
She said the policy would go a long way in shaping the face of media with respect to HIV/AIDS and Gender issues. She urged the paper to continue with its quest of informing, entertaining and educating the masses. "I'm glad that the policy aims to ensure a conducive working environment
that promotes diversity as well as supporting those living with HIV/AIDS by setting a framework to treat people living with HIV/AIDS with dignity," Ntsabane said.
