Journalists build capacity in reporting on gender-based violence

The Canadian High Commission in Ghana, in partnership with the Centre of Journalism and Ethics (CJE), has organised a day’s workshop for selected journalists in the Northern Region to equip them with the skills to effectively report on gender-based violence.

The workshop, which formed part of activities marking this year’s just-ended 16-day campaign of activism against Gender-based Violence also sought to build the capacity of the participants to use their various media platforms to create awareness of the negative effects of gender violence and also to educate the public on acts that constituted gender violence.

Capacity building

At the opening of the workshop in Tamale, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Professor Seidu Alhassan, urged journalists to continue to build their capacities and exhibit a high sense of professionalism in reporting on gender-based violence.

He encouraged journalists to move beyond the routine reporting style and use their medium and influence to advocate strongly for the rights of the less privileged in the society
That, he said, would put duty bearers on their toes to enhance social justice and protect the rights and freedom of the vulnerable in the society, particularly children and women whose fundamental human rights were often infringed upon.

Professor Alhassan was of the view that to effectively fight against gender-based violence in the country, journalists needed to go the extra mile, investigate and expose all corrupt officials who shielded abusers of the vulnerable for their parochial interest.

Awareness-creation

In a speech read on her behalf, the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ms Heather Cameron, encouraged journalists to continue to build their awareness on gender-based issues and use their influence to fight against the menace in the country.

“You have an influence on what happens behind closed doors and you can open the people’s minds to the consequences of their acts or inactions”, she said, adding that, “And that is why Canada trusts that, equipping you with the requisite tools and skills on ethical reporting, particularly on gender-based issues, will have a positive impact in terms of prevention and protection of victims.”