Journalists Charged To Uphold Ethics In Reporting Violence Against Women, Girls

Media practitioners have been charged to embrace ethical practices when reporting issues related to Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), to prevent further harm on the survivors.

This call was made during a media hangout organized by the Center for Women’s Health and Information (CEWHIN), with a focus on the lecture topic: “Ethical Media Reporting on Prevention of (and Response to) Violence Against Women and Girls: Balancing Truth, Sensitivity, and Impact.”

The keynote speaker, Special Adviser to Osun Governor on Public Communication, Mr. Sola Ajala emphasized that the media often sets the tone for how society understands and reacts to critical social issues- including gender-based violence.

According to Ajala, “When reporting on violence against women and girls, media professionals must walk a delicate line. On one hand, they are tasked with uncovering truth, exposing injustice, and amplifying the voices of survivors. On the other, they must ensure that their reporting does not re-traumatize victims, reinforce harmful stereotypes, or contribute to societal desensitization. Thus, the ethical reporting of VAWG demands a careful balance of truth, sensitivity, and impact.”

He further stated that “Media is not a passive mirror- it actively constructs social reality. The language used, the images selected, the sources quoted, and even what is left unreported–all shape public attitudes and policy responses. When handled ethically, media can: raise awareness about the prevalence and causes of VAWG, challenge societal norms that tolerate or trivialize violence, highlight the structural and systemic failures that perpetuate abuse, promote services and resources available to survivors as well as inspire collective action and policy reform.”

Ajala emphasized the importance of truth and sensitivity in reporting VAMG, “Truth in journalism is not just about stating facts, it requires accuracy, context, and a deliberate dismantling of myths. Journalists should avoid sensationalism, protect survivors’ identities, obtain informed consent, and ensure their language is respectful.

“Ethical reporting includes providing resources and guidance. Articles should direct readers to hotlines, shelters, legal aid, and advocacy groups. Journalists can also highlight bystander strategies and systemic reforms, turning awareness into action.

In her remarks, CEWHIN Executive Director, Atinuke Odukoya highlighted the media role as a powerful agenda-setter and mindset shaper saying “the media is a stakeholder in this fight. You may not see yourself as a community leader, but your audience, whether online, on radio, or in print looks to you to shape their understanding and response to gender-based violence.”

Odukoya called on journalists to use their platforms to build a culture where violence is neither normalized nor tolerated, adding “We must get to a place where communities say, ‘We don’t do this here.’ That is the vision for Osun, a State that will say no to all forms of violence against women and girls.”