WSRS Seeks Media Collaboration On Gender Sensitive Reportage

WSRS Seeks Media Collaboration On Gender Sensitive Reportage

Zainab Tanimu

Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria

Women Situation Room Nigeria (WSRN) has called on the media to be gender sensitive in their reportage as that will go a long way in helping to build resilience and confidence in our women.

Many gender sensitive issues it said have been swept under the carpet which is not healthy for the growth of the society.

This call was made at its one day capacity building titled, “Effective Media Sensitive Reporting/Strengthening Understanding Of The Dynamics Of SGBV organized for media practitioners in Kaduna.

The facilitator, Programme Manager, Ladies Empowerment Goals And Support Initiative, (LEGASI) Timothy Lawrence in his paper presentation had raised concern on the growing need for women participation in politics which he said has been very low.

He noted that women globally are systematically disadvantaged at all levels of society and across all countries particularly Nigeria where they are being retarded due to some societal norms and practices as well as some unfavourable conditions that contribute in shutting out and demeaning their voices.  Hence, decreasing their quest  in vying for political offices and chances of ever achieving gender equality.

Some of the women who summon courage to contest alongside the men are called names. The society tag them as wayward.

Aside these odds is the financial capability of women. Since many women are not financially buoyant, for instance, the fees to purchase form/ footing of campaigns, they are robbed of the opportunity to serve.

Timothy charged the media to help in  changing the narrative by giving prominence in highlighting some of these challenges.

“There is need for us to be more gender sensitive in our reporting and all of the work that we do across the length and breath of this country especially Kaduna state where we are domicile.

“Being aware of our rights and the society in which we live in goes a long way in building resilience in women. Building the confidence of women in the society, emboldening women most especially when it comes to vying for political offices whether at the state or national level.”

The society he added often believe that it is men’s world which has made some women docile in their bid to seeking elective positions.

Explaining, he said. If a woman comes out to contest, it will be subject to a lot of debate. Why do we have to debate the confidence of a woman?

It is not enough to canvass for the woman to be in the office but they also need to be protected. He stressed saying, a lot of women parliamentarians pass through one act of violence or the other.

Most of these women who experience violence do not report it either because of shame, social stigma or fear of retaliation by the perpetrator.

According to report, he said, 40% of women parliamentarians in Africa have been sexually abused.

A survey conducted states that, 46% of women parliamentarians are not safe online. Not because they do not have the handle but the moment they make any post, they are attacked unlike the men who are free in saying anything on their Twitter handle.

Also, lots of them face intimidation in the office. 80% of parliamentarians suffer psychological violence (sexist remarks, threats) by their colleagues.

Still on gender violence, that it is not limited to these groups of women. Cases of rape and wife battering and other forms of violence are being meted on women which needs to be nipped on board.

While commending government’s efforts in promulgating beautiful laws, the implementation of such laws remain a mirage.

In an interactive session with media practitioners.

Timothy charged the media in educating the public on possible consequences of such acts within our domains and ‘hard to reach areas’ of the communities.

Cases of incidences should be reported to appropriate authorities so as to get the culprits punished.

The media he advised should always do a follow up on their reportage for a logical conclusion as that will give them credence. Not only that, it will encourage people to come forward to report cases since there is the assurance that justice will be done.

It is also advisable to give the survivor a voice. “Don’t Victim Blame”. He added.

Messages should be widely spread on issues around human rights. Letting the people know what their rights are under the constitution.

The fight against gender violence is doable with the collaboration of the media and relevant agencies not withstanding situations whereby individuals withdraw cases to settle amicably within parties.

Supported by Norwegian Agency For Development Cooperation (NORAD)