By FAUZIYYA ABUBAKAR, Kaduna

More than 30 journalists in Kaduna State have undergone specialised training on ethical and trauma-informed reporting of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

The two-day capacity-building workshop, organised by the International Society for Media in Public Health (ISMPH) with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is part of events marking the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The training, which commenced on Friday November 5th, 2025, aimed at equipping reporters with the skills to handle sensitive stories responsibly, challenge harmful stereotypes, and strengthen survivor-centred journalism. Facilitators urged participants to ask safe questions, counter misinformation, and produce evidence-based stories capable of shifting public perception and driving accountability.

In a virtual address, the Executive Director of ISMPH, Mrs. Moji Makanjuola, appealed to journalists to utilise both local languages and English in amplifying anti-GBV messages and promoting SRHR. She said the initiative came at a critical moment, as the media’s influence could either break the silence around abuse or reinforce stigma and injustice.

Makanjuola expressed confidence that the training would enable journalists to deliver balanced, sensitive reporting that uplifts survivors’ voices while challenging entrenched prejudices.

Speaking on behalf of UNFPA, Dr. Elvis Evborein described GBV perpetrators as “formidable,” stressing the essential role of journalists in shaping public understanding through factual and well-contextualised stories. He encouraged reporters to consistently engage relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure accuracy and balance.

In an interview, the Director of ISMPH, Mrs. Moji Makonjuola, said the workshop was aligned with this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign, which winds down this week. She noted that strengthening journalists’ capacity was vital in raising awareness on GBV and SRHR and reducing violations across communities.

According to her, journalists remain “strategic tools” in the fight against GBV because they “hold the microphones and have the voices” needed to influence public behaviour and understanding. She added that improved media reporting would help citizens know their health rights, understand where to report violations, and demand justice when abused.

The workshop continues on Saturday, rounding off the two-day training for selected journalists across Kaduna State.