The West African Broadcast and Media Academy (WABMA) has trained journalists on the best practices of reporting Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) cases.
The Enugu State Chief Operations Head of the Organisation, Mrs. Chidiebere Njoku, stated this at a one day media training on Thursday.
Njoku said the foundation was dedicated to using media as a strategic tool for positive social transformation, particularly across West Africa.
She explained that it worked at the intersection of media, development, and democracy, by focusing on building the capacity of journalists, content creators, and civic actors to drive inclusive narratives, power holders to account, and amplify voices from under-represented communities.
Njoku said that the core focus areas include ethical and development journalism, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) prevention and media advocacy, gender-responsive and inclusive media practices.
She said that other focus areas include election reporting and civic engagement, climate and public health communication media literacy and fact-checking, youth empowerment and leadership through storytelling among others.
Njoku said that part of the project is to amplify the voices of leaders of faith and culture against SGBV.
“By this, we engage religious and cultural leaders across Southern Nigeria to champion SGBV prevention, influence community norms, and enhance visibility through media training and storytelling,” she said.
The head said that the vision is to be the leading catalyst for transformative media excellence and social impact in West Africa.
She noted that the aim is also to build the capacity of media institutions and practitioners for a free, independent, diverse, and development-oriented media that strengthens democratic values and empowers communities.
One of the resource persons, Ambrose Igboke, said that narratives about SGBV were stereotypes which were rooted in the religion and traditions of the people.
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Igboke said that most third world countries practice gender imbalance including Nigeria, adding that it had continued to bring discrimination in the society.
He stressed the need to abolish stereotypes in Nigeria for people to bring out their best in opportunities or positions they found themselves without thinking of what people would say against them.
The Executive Director, Global Initiative for Development, Care of Women and Youths, Mrs. Ngozi Ebo, advised journalists not to disclose the identity of survivors of SGBV while reporting cases.
Ebo said that “journalists should avoid blames, when interviewing survivors, as they may not like to speak up until they ensure that they will be protected.”
Some journalists that participated at the workshop, expressed satisfaction with the training, saying that they would improve their reporting of SGBV cases.
