Journalists Advised On Professionalism, Gender-sensitive Reporting

Journalists in the North-East and other parts of Nigeria have been asked to adopt a gender-sensitive approach and adhere to the ethics of the profession when reporting issues related to gender-based violence and other societal challenges.

Speaking on the topic. “Journalism with a Gender Lens: Protecting Rights, Shaping Narratives”, a lawyer and facilitator, Dr Anne Agi, urged media practitioners to be mindful of the language and tone they use when crafting their narratives, cautioning against perpetuating stereotypes that could lead to the public ridicule of victims.

The two-day training organised for journalists in the North-East by Amnesty International in collaboration with Yahweh24tv, ended yesterday in Yola, Adamawa State.

Agi said the media have a critical role to play in shaping public opinion and influencing societal attitudes towards GBV.

She, however, cautioned that this power must be wielded responsibly, with due consideration for the privacy and dignity of survivors.

The facilitator stressed that the media’s focus should be on promoting a culture of empathy and understanding, rather than sensationalising or exploiting the experiences of those who have been affected by violence.

She also cautioned against the use of language that could be perceived as judgmental or shaming, emphasising the need for a more nuanced and compassionate approach to reporting on GBV.

Another facilitator, Dr Abdul Mahmud, who is also a human rights activist, exposed the participants to the sections of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which protect journalists in holding government and public office holders accountable as watchdogs of the society.

He spoke on “Press Freedom and the Law: Navigating Legal Risks in Journalism.”

Abdul focused on the legal implications of reporting. He provided helpful tips on interacting with security forces and the judicial sector, as well as insights on the post-authenticity and post-reality eras.

Speaking on “Reporting Under Threat: Practical Safety Strategies for Journalists”, Dr John Omilabu, urged journalists to be aware of situations around them before embarking on sensitive reports.

Omalibu engaged the participants on safety and security while in the field reporting on human rights issues, stating that situational awareness is key amid various threats that hinder serious journalism.

Giving insights on “Applying Media Ethics in Daily Practice: From Code to Conduct”, Dr Kabiru Danladi, highlighted the importance of indepth understanding of human rights terms and contexts to elevate the quality of reporting.

He urged journalists to adhere to the ethics of the profession in their reportage.

Similarly, Zainab Okino, who spoke on “Journalism Theory and Practice: A Human Rights Perspective”, highlighted the importance of considering the “human” in human rights reporting.

She emphasised the importance of being able to “see yourself in the story” as journalists reporting human rights issues.