University don warns journalists against compromising GBV survivors’ safety, dignity
A university lecturer, Dr. Julius Nwosu has stressed the role of media practitioners in promoting accountability and justice delivery through sensitive reporting.
Nwosu stated this during a one-day training by Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC) for media practitioners on reporting gender-based violence (GBV) in Anambra state.
The workshop, organized with support of Women Aid Collective (WACOL), and other partners, drew no fewer than 30 journalists from different media houses in the state.
Delivering a paper on “Legal and Ethical Frameworks for GBV Reporting in Nigeria/Sensitive Reporting of GBV Stories”, Nwosu urged journalists to ensure their reports did not compromise survivors’ safety, dignity and rights.
According to him, about 30 percent of women aged 15 – 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence.
Discussing “Media as an Advocate,” Nwosu of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University further charged journalists to drive social change through content development and media strategies for amplifying voices.
He said, “In an era where gender based violence has evolved into a pervasive societal malaise, it is incumbent upon journalists to galvanize their collective efforts and amplify the marginalised voices of survivors.
“The media plays a vital role in driving social change by promoting a just and equitable society, through appropriate content development and clear media strategies.
“By harnessing this power, they can shape narratives that challenge stereotypes, amplify voices that have been silenced, and drive meaningful change.
“Similarly, by prioritizing survivor-centered storytelling, in-depth reporting, and diverse representation, the media can create a powerful narrative that promotes not only empathy , but understanding and understanding and social change.”
Another facilitator from UNIZIK, Dr Odogwu Emeka underscored the importance of accurate and sensitive reporting of GBV cases, saying it could assist in reducing stigma and promote support for survivors.
“Every piece of content must prioritize the survivors’ safety and empowerment. Consent, anonymity and cultural awareness are non-negotiable.
“Storytelling should inspire hope, show solutions, and responsible use of visuals. Combining survivor narrative with expert insights strengthens credibility and impact,” he posited.
Earlier, Executive Director, GPSDC, Eucharia Anekwe said the training was to equip journalists with skills and knowledge needed to effectively report cases of gender-based violence, promote awareness and advocate for the rights of survivors.
“As part of the project’s capacity-strengthening component, we are organizing a one-day intensive media training for selected journalists and media practitioners in Anambra State.
“The training aims to strengthen media capacity in sensitive/survivor-centred GBV reportage, accurate framing of gender issues, developing GBV-focused content, and amplifying the voices of survivors and vulnerable groups,” she added.
Anekwe further explained that the training was to reinforce collaboration between the media and implementing partners toward advancing advocacy for a safer and more gender-responsive society.
GPSDC’s Program Manager, Oge Ozoemena hinted that the training was part of the project to empower christian women and women leaders of culture for the prevention and response to gender-based violence in Nigeria through the strengthening of grassroots organisations.
She urged participants to take advantage of the training to improve the quality of GBV stories, deploy survivor centered language and create positive social change awareness.
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Christian Madubueze said the project also aimed at promoting inclusiveness and reject damaging practices as well as advocate for social transformation.
Participants in the training appreciated the organisers for the initiative, saying it had enhanced their understanding of gender-based violence reporting.
They, however, appealed to the organizers to consider extending duration of future trainings beyond a single day, citing the need for more comprehensive coverage of the complex issues surrounding GBV reporting.
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