Mapping and Reporting Violations on Safety Of Women Journalists in Africa

On Sunday, 24th November 2024, the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) Kenya successfully hosted a webinar focused on reporting violations against female journalists in Africa.

The session brought together journalists, media practitioners and stakeholders to discuss the pressing and rising challenge of gender-based violence (GBV) and online gender-based violence (OGBV) that disproportionately affect women in journalism.

Owing to the need to curb O/GBV, mapping and reporting cases stand to be critical steps in the fight. This project, supported by UNESCO and IDPC developed the monitoring tool to enable mapping of violation cases using modern technologies.

The key highlights of the Webinar included:

  • Introduction to the monitoring and reporting Platform
    Participants were introduced to the monitoring  platform https://report.iawrt.or.ke/views/map. It allows users to sign in and map incidents, contributing to data-driven advocacy and accountability.
  • Rallying call to mapping violations
    Attendees were encouraged to actively map cases of O/GBV against journalists during the 16 Days of Activism. This initiative aims to highlight the prevalence of such violations, ensuring they are documented and addressed effectively.

This initiative is a significant step in curbing O/GBV against female journalists by:

  • Providing a Safe Space for Reporting: The platform offers a confidential and accessible way for female journalists to report violations, ensuring their voices are heard and their experiences documented.
  • Data-Driven Advocacy: The collected data will inform targeted interventions and policy advocacy to address systemic issues contributing to O/GBV in the media. Key stakeholders including the Judicial systems and the police will also be well informed on how to handle reported cases.
  • Raising Awareness: By mapping violations, the project sheds light on the often-overlooked risks faced by female journalists,for public and institutional awareness.
  • Building Accountability: The platform facilitates transparency and accountability, pressuring perpetrators and institutions to act against the vice.
  • Empowering Female Journalists: The initiative aims to empower female journalists by providing tools and resources to advocate for their safety and rights and eliminate the fear and shaming of victims.

The webinar marked an important moment in rallying collective action to protect female journalists in Africa by mapping cases – the most important step in gathering data.

Journalists and digital media users at large are encouraged to leverage the platform as a tool for advocacy and change especially in these 16 Days of Activism against GBV. 

 IAWRT is committed to creating safer spaces for female journalists in Africa and beyond and keenly underscores the need for collaborative action to achieve this goal.

Feel free to map violations anywhere across Africa.

Sign into the platform via : https://report.iawrt.or.ke/views/map

By Raylenne Kambua

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Powered By WordPress | FT Charity NGO