By Prudence Ijah
The United Nations Population Fund Agency (UNFPA) has advocated for improved reporting of gender based violence (GBV) issues in Nigeria.
UNFPA Deputy Representative in Nigeria Erica who made this known at a training in Abuja reteirated the need for media practitioners to consider basic ethical and safety principles while reporting gender based violence in Nigeria.
Godson stated that it is imperative to adhere to ethical principles as failure to do so endangers the life of girls, women and their care providers.
“We have seen that gender based violence is a key concern which leads to victimization of Survivors and some reports have enabled gender based violence and victimization hence the need to address this trend”
“It is important to give gender based violence the attention it deserves, UNFPA is advocating for zero gender based violence and harmful practices” She said.
According to the Deputy Representative of UNFPA, the media needs to understand why GBV happens, the key GBV violations and the media frames available to address this trend.
Speaking on the importance of the media to UNFPA, the Media Associate of UNFPA Kory Habib said it is through the MEDIA, that the agency’s work is made visible to the public.
“Media reporting on sexual and other forms of gender-based violence facilitates greater advocacy with stakeholders such as decision makers and communities to ensure protection of survivors and those that are at risk of GBV.” She said
Kory said the capacity building for the media will ensure responsive reporting and increase awareness on GBV issues.
It expedient for journalists to be trained on the urgent need to prioritize ethical and safety considerations that preserve the safety, confidentiality and dignity of GBV survivors, their families, their communities, and those who are trying to help them, when they compile the media reports” she said.
In his presentation, a media consultant, Senator Iroegbu urged journalist to write human angle stories on Gender Based Violence as it gives reality to the issue.
“Human angle stories is the best form of reporting where the stories of survivors can be brought into limelight. It will proffer solutions on how to reduce the occurrence and also make more Nigerians to be properly informed”.
Gender Based Violence can be done privately or publicly. There are different types of Gender Based Violence, they include : Physical violence, sexual violence, economic violence, and emotional violence’.
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