Chinedum Elekwachi
Thirty media practitioners in Anambra state on Thursday underwent training on reportage, content development and amplifying voices of survivors of Gender Based Violence by Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC).
The one-day training organized for selected journalists drawn from print and electronic media was with support from Women Aid Collective (WACOL).
Speaking during the event in Awka, Executive Director, GPSDC, Eucharia Anekwe said the training was targeted at strengthening media capacity in sensitive/survivor-centred GBV reportage, accurate framing of gender issues, developing GBV-focused content and amplifying the voices of survivors and vulnerable groups.
She said the training was also to reinforce collaboration between the media and implementing partners toward advancing advocacy for a safer and more gender-responsive society.
She said, “Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC), with support from Women Aid Collective (WACOL), is implementing the project titled “Empowering Christian Women and Women Leaders of Culture for the Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria Through the Strengthening of Grassroots Organisations.
“The one-day intensive media training for selected journalists and media practitioners in Anambra State is part of the project’s capacity-strengthening component.
“We are pleased to have you participate in this important engagement, considering your role and contribution to quality journalism.”
Improved GBV story quality
Also speaking, Program Manager, GPSDC, Oge Ozoemena urged the participants to take advantage of the training to improve quality of GBV stories, deploy survivor centered language and create positive social change awareness.
She expressed optimism that the workshop would equip participants with tools to amplify survivors’ voices responsibility as well as collaborate with civil society organizations to reduce GBV cases.
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Christian Madubueze said the project also aimed at promoting inclusiveness and reject damaging practices as well as advocate for social transformation.
Among resource persons at the training included Dr Julius Nwosu who delivered paper on “Legal and Ethical Frameworks for GBV Reporting in Nigeria” and Dr Emeka Odogwu who spoke on “Media as an Advocate – Using Reporting to Drive Social Change Through Content Development and Media Strategies”
