Shahzad Rasheed
Today, Blue Veins in partnership with Awaz CDS Pakistan organized a workshop with Media representatives including Print Journalists, Bloggers, Photo Journalists, Electronic and Radio journalists on the issue of SGBV. The workshop, which was organized as part of the Ujala Initiative, aimed at facilitating dialogue with media personnel on supporting the rights of vulnerable communities, state of reproductive health rights in KP, and efficient reporting on SGBV to increase well-informed media coverage.
Addressing the workshop Mr. Zia Ur Rehman, Chief Executive Officer Awaz CDS Pakistan said that Pre-existing toxic social norms and gender inequalities, economic and social stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with restricted movement and social isolation measures, have led to an exponential increase in GBV, which is a hidden consequence of COVID-19.
“Media has a vital role in responsibly addressing the problem by promoting public discussion, and building pressures on the policymakers to address GBV through legislation and policy measures.” He added. Sana Ahmad, Provincial Coordinator Ujala Network said on the occasion that “reproductive health rights have been a taboo topic for discussion for many years but the recent legislation on reproductive health rights by KP Government has paved its way to more discussion around the issue.”
She further added that engaging media to address inequality more fairly and effectively through gender analysis on the issues on reproductive health and rights, and building the capacity of the media in evidence-based reporting of reproductive health issues in KP can be of great contribution towards improvement.
The participants of the workshop used the occasion to express their views on the subject candidly. They were of the firm opinion that a positive change could be brought in the community perspective towards the issue by positive and improved reporting in its different aspects.
Imran Bukhari, general secretary Peshawar press club acknowledged the efforts of Ujala and its implementing partners on the occasion. He said that Journalists can change the societies thinking and help to shape public opinion and perceptions towards social inequalities.
He believed such workshops are crucial as It covers all aspects of ethical media reporting and helps journalists to strengthen their skills in gender, gender based-violence, well-informed reporting and human rights of vulnerable communities.