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

Participants will engage with specific examples and walk away with practical guidance on how to navigate difficult ethical choices in their own work.

This workshop is part of the Brooklyn Media Maker Weekend, which is a free, three-day event that will celebrate community media and help you up your TV, film, and podcast game.

More information here.

Since the election of Donald Trump, both immigration enforcement and media coverage of immigration-related issues in the U.S. has risen dramatically. WITNESS is bringing together journalists and grassroots advocates to discuss the impact this coverage has had on immigrant communities and explore ways journalists can amplify the stories of immigrants more safely, ethically and effectively.

This conversation is part of the WITNESS Media Lab’s Eyes on ICE project, an initiative dedicated to supporting directly impacted communities and allies to document abuses against immigrant communities and use video and technology to fight deportations and advocate for immigrant rights.

MODERATOR

• Garry Pierre-Pierre – Founder of The Haitian Times, Founder of CUNY Journalism’s Center for Community and Ethnic Media

PANELISTS

• Rong Xiaoqing – Reporter at Sing Tao Daily
• Palika Makam – U.S. Program Coordinator at WITNESS
• Ginger Thompson – Senior Reporter at ProPublica
• Bruna Bouhid – Senior Communications Manager at United We Dream
• Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI) – Network member w/ translator Albert Saint Jean, a BAJI NYC Organizer

Full bios for the participants, location details and the full program can be found on the RSVP page.

Madeleine Bair, Program Manager for the WITNESS Media Lab.

On Thursday November 5, Madeleine Bair of the WITNESS Media Lab will give a presentation on her work for Her Girl Friday, a group focused on women in journalism. The event, titled “The New Era of Civil Rights Reporting,” will also include a panel featuring journalists from Al Jazeera, The Associated Press, The New York Times Magazine, and USA Today.

The event is free and open to the public. All genders are encouraged to attend.

Location:

ThoughtWorks NYC

99 Madison Ave (Between 29th & 30th Street) Floor 15

New York, NY 10016

Questions? Email Jared: JHatch [at] ThoughtWorks [dot] com

Register here

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