ISLAMABAD: The Global Neighbourhood for Media Innovation (GNMI), in collaboration with the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), has launched a series of workshops titled “Spotlight on GBV Reporting.” These workshops aim to ensure responsible reporting on gender-based violence (GBV) and empower journalists and digital content creators to support survivors effectively.
GNMI, a registered non-profit organization, works towards bridging the gap between media, civil society, and diverse communities through media literacy, capacity-building, and advocacy. Through its “Gender Justice (Gen-J) Program,” GNMI seeks to raise awareness among journalists and digital content producers in Punjab about Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The program also aims to enhance public awareness of the prevalence of GBV and the available response mechanisms in Punjab.
The Program Inauguration, held on May 27, 2023, at The Margala Hotel in Islamabad, focused on enhancing the skills and capacities of local media professionals in Punjab to generate more precise and empathetic coverage of GBV incidents.
Najia Ashar, President of GNMI, delivered welcome remarks, highlighting the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) and the critical role that media plays in reporting such cases. She emphasized the importance of responsible and sensitive journalism in shedding light on GBV incidents, raising awareness, and amplifying the voices of survivors.
Ashar stressed the need for media professionals to actively engage in reporting on GBV, contributing to collective efforts in combating this pervasive issue and promoting social change.
Significance of Responsible Reporting
Senior journalist Gharidah Farooqui underscored the significance of responsible reporting and the protection of survivors in cases of gender-based violence (GBV). She acknowledged the progress made over the past five years, where crimes against women and GBV are now regarded as heinous offenses due to the collective wisdom of global media practitioners.
Farooqui drew parallels to a code of conduct established in 2010 for reporting updates on the war on terror, emphasizing the need to avoid graphic imagery. She also stressed the importance of protecting the identities of GBV survivors, avoiding insensitive questions, and expressed concern over society’s regressive approach towards GBV issues.
She highlighted the underreported cases of persecution faced by transgender individuals, calling for greater awareness and sensitivity towards their struggles.
Mr. Khurram Shahzad, Director General from the Ministry of Law and Justice, lamented societal norms that hinder women’s empowerment and stressed the significance of gender-sensitive policies in addressing GBV. He emphasized the need for comprehensive policies that protect human rights and combat violence against women.
Shahzad recognized milestones achieved, such as legislation and support services for survivors, while acknowledging existing gaps in policymaking and law enforcement. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to combating GBV through policy, advocacy, and a transformative shift towards a society that rejects violence and promotes equality.
Prominent GBV expert Dr. Farzana Bari shed light on the significant contribution of Pakistani women in the informal agricultural sector. She highlighted that, according to the latest labor force survey, 25% of women belong to the formal working class, while women’s labor force participation in the informal economy is three times larger.
Dr. Bari also raised concerns about the conviction rate for violence against women (VAW), emphasizing that it stands at less than 2%. Her insights emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms to address gender inequality, uplift marginalized communities, and ensure justice for survivors of GBV.
Following the Program Inauguration, a full-day workshop on ethical and holistic GBV reporting and the manifestation of GBV laws was conducted with journalists and digital content creators.
