MEJN Empowers Media to Tackle GBV, SRHR Reporting
The training brought together journalists from MBC, Zodiak, Times Group, AfricaBrief, community radio stations, and the public relations department.
MANGOCHI, Malawi — The Malawi Economic Justice Network (MEJN) conducted a two-day training workshop for media practitioners on reporting gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health rights issues in Mangochi district from April 29-30, writes Bertha Gama.
The workshop, held at the Red Cross Hall and supported by Norwegian Church Aid and Danish Church Aid, aimed to equip journalists with knowledge and skills to report accurately and ethically on GBV and SRHR using evidence-based approaches.
"The main goal was to equip media practitioners with knowledge and skills necessary to report on GBV-related issues and promoting sexual and reproductive health rights by using evidence, ethical reasoning, accurate information, and strategic communication approaches," said Mike Banda, MEJN's Regional Coordinator.
Banda said MEJN will engage other stakeholders, including the private sector, to jointly address GBV and SRHR challenges in the district.
He said MEJN plans to implement a one-stop center in Monkey Bay, a key project catchment area, building on the training's impact.
Cases of GBV remain prevalent, with Monkey Bay Police Station arresting 40 children as of April 29, up from 15 during the same period last year, according to its community policing coordinator Nicholas Mwalwanda.
"Poor parenting, child neglect, and elderly households are some challenges contributing to issues affecting children in the district, with most victims coming from families facing such problems," said Isaac Machinjiri, a social welfare officer.
The training brought together journalists from MBC, Zodiak, Times Group, AfricaBrief, community radio stations, and the public relations department.
Facilitators included media trainer Levi Zeleza Manda, Pilirani Malonda from the district's gender office, and Machinjiri.