Meghana, Author at WITNESS https://www.witness.org/author/meghana/ Human Rights Video Thu, 27 Apr 2023 14:00:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 76151064 WITNESS Launches New Guide https://www.witness.org/witness-launches-new-video-as-evidence-environmental-defense-guide/ Fri, 21 Apr 2023 12:25:13 +0000 https://www.witness.org/?p=2285595 WITNESS is proud to launch our newest resource, which seeks to assist communities that are affected by extractive industries, to collect high-quality, actionable video and photo documentation of violations committed by Big Mining, governments, and many other perpetrators.

We recognize the great risks that environmental defenders take to stand up to power, and understand that the collection of visual evidence is only one strategy communities use to protect their environmental human rights. We hope to support this resistance by sharing the Video as Evidence Environmental Defense Guide throughout the coming months via our global campaign that amplifies the calls for Earth Justice. Join us by re-posting our materials or retweeting us using the hashtag: #Video4Earth. 

Read from the full blog post by Dalila Mujagic and Meghana Bahar.

]]> 2285595 Harmful Media Narratives an impediment to SGBV survivors’ access to justice https://www.witness.org/launch-sgbv-reporting-guide-africa/ Tue, 27 Sep 2022 08:40:55 +0000 https://www.witness.org/?p=2274401 Media narratives that promote gender stereotypes and disinformation greatly hinder the capacity of survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) to get justice. Stand to End Rape Initiative (STER) and WITNESS Africa just launched a media reporting guide to support effective media coverage of SGBV in Nigeria. 

The coverage of SGBV in Nigerian media has significantly risen in recent years. However, unethical reporting that harms survivors of SGBV even more, is widespread. Sensationalised headlines and visuals, language that blames the victims, and terms like “sex scandal” distort the crime of rape and foster a culture of shame and silence.

The media is critical in dismantling rape culture, protecting survivors, and fighting for justice and accountability. However, media practitioners, including bloggers, must ensure they do not become a vehicle for perpetuating disinformation that protects the perpetrators – Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi, Executive Director, STER

The reporting of SGBV in the media affects how society views this type of violence. Thus, there is a need for responsible and transformational media coverage of SGBV, particularly by influencers and bloggers who work in new media. 

The media, including social media, has demonstrated great potential to mobilise support against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). However, viable disinformation incendiaries limit the collective impact of civil society actors and well-meaning individuals in eliminating SGBV and have significantly contributed to the injustice experienced by survivors – Nkem Agunwa, Africa Project Coordinator, WITNESS

The guide offers helpful guidelines through case study analysis to ensure that journalists and other stakeholders in the media ecosystem prioritise ethical considerations that centre on survivors in their reporting.

Download now: SGBV Reporting Guide

Contact: africa@witness.org

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