Islamabad, 27 May 2023 (TDI): The Global Neighbourhood for Media Innovation (GNMI), in collaboration with the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), has been organizing a series of workshops titled “Spotlight on GBV Reporting.”
These workshops are aimed at ensuring responsible reporting of gender-based violence (GBV) and empowering journalists and digital content creators to support survivors.
GNMI, a registered non-profit organization, aims to bridge the gap between media, civil society, and diverse communities through media literacy, capacity-building, and advocacy.
The “Gender Justice (Gen-J) Program” by GNMI strives to raise awareness among journalists and digital content producers in Punjab regarding Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The program also endeavours to raise public awareness of the prevalence of GBV and the available response mechanisms in Punjab.
The Program Inauguration held at The Margala Hotel on May 27, 2023, in Islamabad focused on enhancing the skills and capacities of local media professionals in Punjab to generate more precise and empathetic coverage of GBV.
Najia Ashar, President GNMI, presented welcome remarks to esteemed guests and participants and emphasized the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) and the crucial role that media plays in reporting such cases.
She stressed the importance of responsible and sensitive journalism in shedding light on GBV incidents, raising awareness, and giving a voice to survivors.
Ashar elucidated the need for media professionals to actively engage in reporting on GBV, contributing to the collective efforts in combating this pervasive issue and promoting social change.
Senior journalist Gharidah Farooqui highlighted the eminence of responsible reporting and the protection of survivors in cases of gender-based violence (GBV).
Reflecting on the progress made over the past five years, Farooqui noted the transformation in how crimes against women and GBV are now considered heinous offenses, thanks to global media practitioners’ collective wisdom.
Drawing parallels to a code of conduct established in 2010 for reporting updates on the war on terror, she emphasized the need to avoid graphic imagery.
She also stressed the significance of protecting the identities of GBV survivors and avoiding insensitive questions while expressing concern over society’s regressive approach towards GBV issues.
Additionally, she highlighted the underreported cases of persecution faced by transgender individuals, calling for greater awareness and sensitivity toward their struggles.
reporting and journalism manifestation of GBV laws
Representing the Ministry of Law and Justice, Khurram Shahzad, Director General, lamented the societal norms that halted women’s empowerment and emphasized the significance of gender-sensitive policies in addressing GBV.
He highlighted the need for comprehensive policies that protect human rights and violence against women while acknowledging milestones achieved, such as legislation and support services for survivors.
Shahzad recognized existing gaps in policymaking and law enforcement, and he underlined the ministry’s commitment to combat GBV through policy, advocacy, and a transformative shift towards a society that rejects violence and promotes equality.
Dr. Farzana Bari, a prominent GBV expert, shed light on the significant contribution of Pakistani women in the informal agricultural sector.
She also revealed that the latest labor force survey counted 25% of women belonging to the working class in a formal economy; However, women’s labour force participation in the informal economy is three times larger than in the formal economy.
Dr. Bari also raised concerns over the conviction rate for violence against women (VAW), emphasizing that it stands at less than 2%. Her insights underscored the need for comprehensive reforms to address gender inequality, uplift marginalized communities, and ensure justice for survivors of GBV.
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The Program Inauguration was followed by a full-day workshop on ethical and holistic GBV
reporting and journalism manifestation of GBV laws with journalists and digital content creators.
In the feedback session, participants asked a series of questions and emphasized the urgency of building the capacity of fellows to combat the prevalence of domestic violence and the alarming rise in GBV cases.
Global Neighbourhood for Media Innovation (GNMI), in collaboration with the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Department of State, United States, is proactively sensitizing journalists and digital content creators to foster greater sensitivity, ensuring accessible support system and understanding the criminal justice processes and procedures for the responsible reporting on gender-based violence.
Senior Journalists, Public officials, and civil society advocate for an effective mechanism to combat gender-based violence and uphold gender equality.
