Stakeholders have tasked female Journalists on accuracy and use of factual evidence while reporting gender-based violence issues, as over 50 percent of stories related to that aspect are false.
They made the call during a one-day capacity building training and mentorship for female journalists organized by KAMED (Kanam media hub) in Kano State.
Presenting a paper titled: “Reporting Gender-Based Violence in Newsrooms,” Dr Musa Abdullahi Sufi, pointed out that confrontation, unity and understanding between journalists could bring an end to the menace.
While commending journalists for their commitment and dedication, he attributed the high rate of gender-based violence in media organizations to indecent dressing.
He described the newsroom as a professional place where everyone needs to be decently dressed and adhere to gender-based violence policies.
“Whenever people come together especially where there are no rules and regulations, abuse takes place. If you are in the newsroom there are certain behaviours that trigger sexual-based violence.”
Another participant at the workshop from Bridge Connect Africa Initiative (BCAI), Morren Aggie Alor, said that gender-based violence sadly is, A reality in the society mostly against the female gender in work places .”
She highlighted some steps victims could follow to address the situation, as well, as reporting to the superiors, monitoring and seeking legal assistance.
A Senior Lecturer with the Department of Media and Information Studies, Bayero University Kano, (BUK) Dr Rukayya Yusuf Aliyu expressed concern over the backwardness of northern female journalists towards embracing the modern trends in news writing, production and use of other modern techniques to disseminate information.
Dr Rukayya stressed the need for them to update themselves and go with the latest technology professionally
She described the event as timely and commendable while calling on female journalists to keep up with the pace to enable them to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
During a panel chat, the Programme Manager of Express Radio Kano, Mrs Murtala Ahmad pointed out that, journalism should be seen as a profession, not a money-making venture.
Also, a mother and housewife, Mrs Ahmad said,” Journalism is beyond writing stories, but to relate positively to change a particular news story,” adding that, “As a mother and homemaker, an effective plan should be considered.”
According to the founder of KAMED, and a staff of Liberty Radio and Television, Khadijah Ishaq Bawas, the idea behind organizing the workshop is to enable female journalists in Kano and northern Nigeria to refresh and rebrand themselves in other to compete with their counterparts within and outside the country.
She said the workshop would pave way for female journalists to step up and take leadership in their various organizations to eradicate gender-based violence.
The founder also decried lack of active participation by female journalists in terms of opportunities that are aimed at bringing them out of their shells, developing their skills and capabilities
She noted that the hub would commence a community engagement program for young girls, providing them with mobile devices and a one-step call centre to report gender-based violence.
“Also we are going to step down this training. We are also going to do it for female police officers in Kano state and beyond. It’s not like it will stay here in Kano, we will continue moving around Northern Nigeria and other parts of Nigeria in few years to come.”
The one-day capacity building training and had in attendance female journalists from print and broadcast media, academicians, health professionals and entrepreneurs.
PIAK
