Journalists
from the print and electronic media on Thursday took part in a two-day training
on gender-based violence at the NaNA conference hall on Bertil Harding Highway.
The training was among others meant to strengthen the media’s role in reporting on cases of gender-based violence.
Speaking at the training, Njundu Drammeh, chairperson of the Network Against Gender-Based Violence, said violence against women in particular is a kind of challenge to all and sundry in society and in the media, and in homes where it is seen as a private family matter.
Media professionals, he said, should endeavour to contribute to making the paradigm lift in gender-based violence by taking it from private family matter to making it a public issue.
Mr Drammeh said “all the papers are doing well” in ensuing the GBV or violence against women and children are not regarded as a private family matter.
“Many a time when you ask what the role of the media is, they will say they inform, educate and entertain. I agree, but I think it is much more than that because the media also moulds and shapes opinion and viewpoints,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the GPU president, Saikou Ceesay said the world today is characterized by different forces of violence, particularly against women and girls.
He restated the commitment of the GPU to partner with the Network Against Gender-Based Violence to capacitate journalists to eliminate violence in homes, offices and society.
The role of the media is crucial in this crusade since the media is effective in changing the mindset and attitude of people, he noted, saying: “Therefore raising the awareness of journalists will go a long way in helping to eliminate violence in our society.”
For her part, Haddy Mboge Barrow, coordinator of the Network Against Gender-based Violence, said the network consists of the government, civil society organizations and committed individuals who want to ensure gender-based violence is no longer an issue in The Gambia.
Since it was founded in 2009, the Network has made a lot of efforts in terms of awareness creation, advocacy and training among others, she noted.
The media, she reiterated, is however very critical in terms of creating awareness and making sure people get the right message about the menace.
Madam Barrow said further that the two-day sensitization would prepare media houses better on how to report on sensitive issues on gender-based violence.
