By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
Kigali
At the recent African Women in Media Conference (AWiM23) on 1st December, a declaration addressing the prevalent issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in media was adopted. The Kigali Declaration on Gender Violence in and through the Media highlights the power of media in shaping public understanding of GBV and sets forth minimum measures for different stakeholders in the industry.
Prior to the conference, representatives from the media sector, academia, and civil society collaborated to draft the Declaration. After intense deliberation and revisions, the conference participants unanimously agreed on its principles.
The Kigali Declaration emphasizes the responsibility of African media to inform and shape narratives on various forms of gender violence. It also acknowledges the urgent need for principles that guide news and information media in covering gender-based violence, as well as combating it within media organizations.
Dr. Sarah Macharia, Chair of the Kigali Declaration Committee and representative of the Global Media Monitoring Project, stressed the significance of this Declaration. She highlighted the alarming fact that only 1% of stories across all news platforms in Africa cover gender-based violence. The Declaration, therefore, marks a milestone in the concerted commitment to address this issue.
Dr. Yemisi Akinbobola, Co-Founder & CEO of African Women in Media, explained that the Declaration serves as an action plan, setting a minimum standard for all stakeholders and impacting how media functions regarding African women and discussions of gender-based violence. The Declaration is available on a dedicated website, allowing individuals, organizations, associations, regulators, platforms, and all stakeholders to become signatories. By signing, they commit to abiding by the minimum standards outlined in the Declaration.
The declaration includes a grant-making component to support related projects. The Fojo Media Institute has pledged an initial $5,000 to jumpstart this initiative. More details about the grant will be announced in due course.
The importance of the Kigali Declaration is further underscored by research conducted by the Fojo Media Institute and AWiM. The findings reveal the extent to which sexual harassment and gendered discrimination affect women in the media sector. The fact that women journalists consider leaving or have left the industry due to sexual harassment is deemed unacceptable. The Kigali Declaration is expected to contribute to more ethical and balanced reporting on gender-based violence.
By adopting the Kigali Declaration on Gender Violence in and through the Media, the AWiM23 conference participants have taken a significant step towards addressing and combating gender-based violence in the media. The Declaration sets minimum standards for stakeholders, supporting more responsible and inclusive media practices that prioritize the well-being and empowerment of African women.
