In a bid to promote sensitive and responsible reporting on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases, the West African Broadcast and Media Academy (WABMA) recently trained journalists on best practices for covering these critical issues. The one-day Media Training, held in Enugu, brought together journalists from various media outlets to discuss the importance of reporting SGBV cases with care and sensitivity.

The Enugu State Chief Operations Head of WABMA, Mrs. Chidiebere Njoku, stated that the training was part of the organization’s efforts to build the capacity of journalists and promote inclusive narratives in West Africa. “We are dedicated to using media as a strategic tool for positive social transformation, particularly across West Africa,” she said.

“WABMA Media Development Foundation, a non-profit organization, focuses on building the capacity of journalists, content creators, and civic actors to drive inclusive narratives and amplify voices from underrepresented communities. The foundation’s core focus areas include ethical and development journalism, SGBV prevention and media advocacy, gender-responsive and inclusive media practices, election reporting and civic engagement, climate and public health communication, media literacy and fact-checking, and youth empowerment and leadership through storytelling.

“Part of the project involves engaging religious and cultural leaders across Southern Nigeria to champion SGBV prevention and influence community norms. According to Mrs. Njoku, “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.

Dr. Ambrose Igboke, a Regional Communications Consultant, emphasized the need to abolish stereotypes in Nigeria, noting that SGBV narratives are often rooted in societal stereotypes and gender imbalance. “Most third-world countries practice gender imbalance, including Nigeria, and it has continued to bring discrimination in society,” he said. “We need to abolish stereotypes in Nigeria for people to bring out their best in opportunities or positions they find themselves without thinking of what people would say against them.”

Mrs. Ngozi Ebo, Executive Director of Global Initiative for Development, Care of Women and Youths, advised journalists to protect the identities of SGBV survivors and avoid blame or insensitive reporting. “Journalists should avoid blame when interviewing survivors, as they may not like to speak up until they ensure that they will be protected,” she said.

Participating journalists expressed satisfaction with the training, stating that it would improve their reporting on SGBV cases. “This training has opened my eyes to the importance of reporting SGBV cases with care and sensitivity,” said one participant. “I will definitely apply the knowledge gained from this training in my future reporting.”

The training was part of WABMA’s efforts to build the capacity of journalists and promote inclusive narratives in West Africa. With this training, WABMA aims to contribute to a more informed and responsible media landscape that prioritizes the safety and dignity of SGBV survivors.

Our Correspondent reports that the training marked a significant step towards promoting responsible reporting on SGBV cases in Nigeria as participants were encouraged to report SGBV cases from Survivors angle if possible.