The training was prompted as a result of the increase in reporting of sexual violence, assault and rape on social media with no standard process on management of the case.
The portrayal of the images of the victims and of underaged children without regards for rights and confidentiality exposes them to stigma and danger, said UNFPA.
The training also builds the capacities of journalists on sensitive reporting on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Gender-Based Violence messaging and information.
Muhammed S. Bah, president of The Gambia Press Union (GPU), said it is important for journalists to be ambitious in what they do but also be realistic in what they can do.
He pointed out that, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence is very common in the country.
He added that the media has a responsibility to ensure SGBV stories are shown and published for the public to know.
Mr. Bah also called on journalists to improve on their reporting, saying covering only politics should not be their focus.
He also urged UNFPA to support journalists with grants to investigate and write more SGBV stories.
He expressed GPU’s readiness in working with UNFPA in helping journalists pitch and write very good SGBV stories that can win awards.
