Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka
The Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC), with support from Women Aid Collective (WACOL) and other partners, has trained journalists on effective reporting of gender-based violence (GBV) in Anambra State.
The one-day workshop, held Thursday in Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area, brought together no fewer than 30 journalists from various media organisations across the state.
Declaring the workshop open, Executive Director of GPSDC, Eucharia Anekwe, said the training was designed to equip journalists with the skills and knowledge required to report GBV cases accurately, promote public awareness, and advocate for the rights of survivors.
“As part of the project’s capacity-strengthening component, we are organising an intensive media training for selected journalists and media practitioners in Anambra State,” she said.
“The training aims to strengthen media capacity for sensitive, survivor-centred reporting, accurate framing of gender issues, developing GBV-focused content, and amplifying the voices of survivors and vulnerable groups.”
Anekwe added that the initiative also sought to reinforce collaboration between the media and implementing partners to advance advocacy for a safer and more gender-responsive society.
One of the facilitators, Dr Julius Nwosu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), noted during his presentation that about 30 percent of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical or sexual violence. He stressed the critical role of journalists in promoting accountability and ensuring justice through sensitive reporting.
Speaking on “Legal and Ethical Frameworks for GBV Reporting in Nigeria” and “Sensitive Reporting of GBV Stories,” Nwosu urged journalists to ensure their reports do not compromise the safety, dignity, or rights of survivors. He also charged the media to drive social change through strategic content development and advocacy.
“In an era where gender-based violence has become a pervasive societal malaise, journalists must galvanize their efforts and amplify the marginalized voices of survivors,” he said.
“By prioritizing survivor-centred storytelling, in-depth reporting, and diverse representation, the media can create powerful narratives that promote empathy, understanding, and meaningful social change.”
Another facilitator from UNIZIK, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, emphasized the importance of accurate and sensitive coverage of GBV cases, noting that responsible reporting helps reduce stigma and strengthens support systems for survivors.
“Every piece of content must prioritize the survivor’s safety and empowerment. Consent, anonymity, and cultural awareness are non-negotiable,” he said.
“Storytelling should inspire hope and solutions. Combining survivor narratives with expert insights strengthens credibility and impact.”
Earlier, GPSDC Program Manager, Oge Ozoemena, explained that the event was part of a broader project to empower Christian women and cultural women leaders to prevent and respond to GBV in Nigeria by strengthening grassroots organisations.
She encouraged participants to use the knowledge gained to improve the quality of GBV stories, adopt survivor-centred language, and help drive positive social change.
Participants at the workshop expressed appreciation for the initiative, saying it had broadened their understanding of GBV reporting. They, however, appealed to the organisers to extend the duration of future trainings to allow for a more detailed exploration of the complex issues surrounding GBV.
