Nelly Bassily | July 15, 2013
The media do not generally do a good job of covering violence against women. Women are too often represented as sex objects, and the media fail to link gender-based violence to human rights issues, gender equality, and issues of national development. This can lead to sensationalist reporting which does not lead to a deeper understanding of the issues involved.
New issues such as human trafficking, and the spread of pornography and violence against women through new technologies, are under-reported in African media. Poor reporting on sexual and gender-based violence can contribute to further stigmatization of, or retaliation against, victims of violence.
This audio guide was designed to help journalists and media workers produce better programming about gender-based violence, and cover stories about survivors of violence in an appropriate and sensitive manner, without compromising the rights of their subjects.
The guide is divided into two parts. The first part discusses the concept of gender, gender-based violence and why violence against women often has a cultural context. The second part aims to assist journalists reporting on survivors and gender-based violence.
To listen the guide in English or French, visit: http://www.sfcg.org/programmes/rfpa/audioguides.html
You can also download the guide and listen to it offline by right clicking and saving the file as an MP3.
You may have to register for the site if you have not done so already, but the process is quick, easy and free.