Media Executives, drawn from both print and electronic media, have been tasked on accurate documentation, ethical reporting of and proper follow up on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Cases.
This formed part of a 2-day training organized by the Women’s Rights and Health Project, WRAHP, held in Benin City, the Edo State capital on Tuesday, December 9 and Wednesday December 10.
The project, according to the Facilitators, was aimed at scaling access to justice-related social services for women and girls who had survived SGBV in Lagos and Edo states, being the organization’s focal areas at the moment.
It further stated that the training will also strengthen the capacity of media practitioners in both states on understanding the extent of work needed to be done in advocating for justice for the survivors and best practices in the pursuit of justice.
In his opening remarks, Festus Umoh, Programme Manager, WRAHP, Lagos stated that the organization is an NGO that promotes health and general development of women, girls and communities, but not excluding men.
He enumerated the visions, mission and achievements of the organization to include the pursuit of a just society where the dignity of women, young people and communities are respected and they enjoy sound health and maximize their potentials.
He also listed the Key Thematic areas to include: health – squaring up with communicable and non communicable diseases, women’s rights, safeguarding principles towards protecting women from SGBV and SRH and promoting gender equality and inclusivity.
Among the organizations accomplishments, he stated, included the launch of the Ireti Resource Centre in 2020, provision of psychosocial support services to over 1000 survivors of SGBV and conviction of 2 perpetrators, including the ongoing training of advocates to respond to SGBV cases, make appropriate referrals and implement community level awareness sessions on SGBV and other cases of assault unleashed on women and the Girl-Child, among other accomplishments.
Chris Irogue Igbinosa, Program Manager, WRAHP, in his presentation of an overview of the The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) project, stated that it is a European Union-funded initiative implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA). The project’s primary goal is to consolidate the rule of law and anti-corruption reforms in Nigeria, and listed its Objectives to include:
1. Enhanced Performance of the Criminal Justice System*: Improve the quality and oversight of the criminal justice system and justice service delivery.
2. Improved Access to Justice*: Enhance access to justice for vulnerable groups, including women, children, juveniles, persons with disabilities, and victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
3. Increased Transparency and Accountability*: Strengthen anti-corruption systems and reforms, promoting transparency and accountability.
He also enumerated its activities to include:
– Supporting policy and legislative reforms
– Building capacity of justice sector institutions
– Promoting access to justice for vulnerable groups
– Enhancing anti-corruption efforts and transparency
– Supporting civil society organizations and citizen engagement
Implementation:
RoLAC II is being implemented in six focal states: Adamawa, Anambra, Edo, Kano, Lagos, and Plateau, with possible extension to two other states. The project is expected to run from 2023 to 2027.
Taking participants on their role in addressing SGBV through effective documentation and reporting, Dr Nosakhare Erhunmwunsee, an academic, cleric and Gender rights advocate stated that it is not just about learning but demonstrating the learning by saying the truth.
He added that the media plays a crucial role in addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) through effective reporting and documentation. He further highlighted some key aspects:
Raising Awareness
– Breaking the silence: Media coverage can help break the silence surrounding SGBV, bringing attention to the issue and encouraging victims to speak out.
– Informing the public: Accurate and sensitive reporting can educate the public about SGBV, its causes, and its consequences.
Influencing Public Opinion
– Shaping attitudes: Media representation can shape public attitudes and perceptions about SGBV, promoting empathy and understanding.
– Promoting positive change: Media can highlight successful initiatives and interventions, inspiring positive change and community engagement.
Supporting Survivors
– Safe reporting: Media can provide a platform for survivors to share their stories, promoting safe and supportive reporting practices.
– Resource provision: Media outlets can share resources and support services for survivors, connecting them with help.
Holding Perpetrators Accountable
– Exposing perpetrators: Media can expose perpetrators and highlight cases of SGBV, promoting accountability and justice.
– Monitoring response: Media can monitor the response of authorities and institutions, pushing for effective action.
Best Practices
– Sensitive reporting: Report SGBV cases with sensitivity, avoiding victim-blaming language and stereotypes.
– Accuracy and fact-checking: Ensure accuracy and fact-check information to avoid spreading misinformation.
– Respect for survivors: Prioritize survivors’ dignity, safety, and consent when reporting.
By adopting these practices, the scholar noted, the media can play a powerful role in addressing SGBV and promoting a culture of respect, empathy, and accountability.
He also gave some key ethics and practices for SGBV reporting:
Ethics
1. Do no harm: Prioritize the safety and well-being of survivors and victims.
2. Respect dignity and autonomy: Treat survivors with respect and dignity, ensuring their autonomy in decision-making.
3. Confidentiality: Protect survivors’ identities and personal information.
4. Accuracy and truthfulness: Ensure accurate and truthful reporting, avoiding sensationalism and misinformation.
Best Practices
1. Obtain informed consent: Get explicit consent from survivors before sharing their stories or images.
2. Use sensitive language: Avoid victim-blaming language and stereotypes.
3. Focus on facts: Report facts, avoiding speculation or assumptions.
4. Provide resources: Share resources and support services for survivors.
5. Protect identities: Use pseudonyms, blur faces, or omit identifying details to protect survivors’ identities.
6. Avoid graphic details: Avoid graphic descriptions of violence or abuse.
7. Contextualize: Provide context about SGBV, including root causes and prevalence.
Guidelines
1. UNICEF Guidelines: Use guidelines for reporting on children and SGBV.
2. WHO Guidelines: Follow WHO guidelines for reporting on SGBV.
3. Media Code of Ethics: Adhere to media code of ethics and industry standards.
Resources
1. Survivor support services: Provide resources and contact information for support services.
2. Expert sources: Consult experts, including survivors, advocates, and professionals.
3. Training and education: Seek training and education on SGBV reporting and ethics.
He stated that by following these ethics and practices, journalists and media professionals can report on SGBV responsibly and respectfully, promoting a culture of empathy and accountability.
Dr. Erhunmwunsee highlights key aspects of SGBV journalists should focus on, including:
– Conflict-Related SGBV: prioritize dignity, safety, and well-being of survivors, avoiding re-traumatizing language and ensuring accuracy .
– Types of SGBV: physical, emotional, and psychological violence, child marriage, femicide, trafficking, rape, and socio-economic violence .
– Causes of SGBV: poverty, patriarchal privilege, cultural norms, and power imbalance ³.
– Consequences of SGBV: physical injuries, psychological trauma, sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, and unsafe abortions .
When reporting SGBV, journalists should:
– Obtain informed consent from survivors
– Use sensitive language, avoiding victim-blaming
– Focus on facts, avoiding speculation
– Provide resources and support services
– Protect survivors’ identities and dignity
In her goodwill message, Uchenna Nwokedi, ROLAC Coordinator Edo stated that ROLAC is working with CSOs to increase awareness and to support with necessary resources for reporting and documentation of cases. She tasked journalists on the need to protect the identity of victims/survivors, stop lack of confidence, stigma. She also encouraged them to be abreast of the trend of SGBV cases
Earlier in her opening remark, Uchenna Bose Ironsi, Executive Director, WRAHP, stated the organization works on 3 key pillars, including prevention to mitigate risks and work efficiency. She noted that violence against women is an evil act that should be abhorred by all and sundry. She tasked the media to see the training as an opportunity to enhance their reporting skills and enjoined them to use the wealth of resources garnered in the training to impact on reducing SGBV to the barest minimum.
