As part of the ongoing global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), journalists and media practitioners in Kaduna State have received training aimed at improving the accuracy, ethics, and sensitivity of reporting on GBV and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
The capacity-building workshop is organised by the International Society of Media and Public Health (ISMPH) with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The training seeks to empower the media to contribute to informed public dialogue and positive social change, particularly on issues affecting women and girls.
Delivering her opening remarks, the Executive Director of ISMPH, Moji Makanjuola, welcomed participants and underscored the critical role of the media in combating GBV. She noted that the training comes at a significant moment, coinciding with the global 16 Days of Activism campaign.
“This period is more than symbolic—it is a call to action,” she said. “It reminds us that every effort we make matters, and that the media plays a powerful and irreplaceable role in shaping public discourse, influencing attitudes, and driving social change.”
Makanjuola emphasised that journalists are essential in breaking the silence and reducing the stigma surrounding GBV. She called for a shift in media narratives that often highlight survivors while overlooking perpetrators.
“It is time we spotlight accountability and justice,” she added. “Our reporting must contribute to prevention rather than perpetuating harm.”
She urged participants to engage actively in the session, ask questions, share experiences, and embrace trauma-informed reporting practices. She also highlighted the importance of local language journalism, noting that Hausa and other indigenous language reporters play a crucial role in amplifying GBV messages at the grassroots.
Makanjuola expressed confidence that the workshop—supported by UNFPA—would help build a strong foundation of knowledge and commitment among journalists, contributing to a safer and more just society.
The training is designed to help participants understand the root causes, forms, and consequences of GBV, including intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and trafficking. It also focuses on strengthening journalists’ understanding of core SRHR concepts such as comprehensive sexuality education, family planning, maternal health, and reproductive justice. A key component is learning to apply trauma-informed reporting when interviewing survivors and covering sensitive cases.
The workshop is one of several activities lined up in Kaduna for the 16 Days of Activism. Last Saturday, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Women Affairs led a road walk to the Government House, demonstrating strong political commitment to ending GBV in the state.
UNFPA, which leads global efforts in sexual and reproductive health and rights, described the training as timely. The agency noted that empowering the media strengthens public awareness, drives accountability, and boosts advocacy against harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriage.
In the coming days, Kaduna will host more activities, including a visit from the UNFPA Country Representative and a polo match at the Kaduna Polo Club—innovative efforts aimed at deepening public engagement on GBV prevention.
Organisers believe that with a better-equipped media sector, Kaduna State will be able to amplify the voices of survivors and accelerate the fight against violence and harmful practices affecting women and girls.