By Our Reporter
The 2030 Agenda on achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is keen on inclusivity for holistic development. Among which, (SDG) 5 recognizes the need to promote gender equality and empower women and girls. This universal call re-emphasizes all other international protocols and national laws on women rights that demand against discrimination and gender based violence towards equality and social inclusion.
Whereas Uganda has made positive strides in addressing violence against women and girls through women centred programming, legislation and enforcement, the problem reflects strong gender based violations with the new digital age.
According to a 2018 report by International Media Women’s Foundation, one in every two women has faced online violence. This is through cyber harassment, trolling, blackmail and these sometimes translate into physical attack on victims.
As we celebrate the SDG festival organized by Office of the Prime Minister for public engagement on national SDG achievement, UMWA is holding an expertise panel discussion to draw reflections on:
- Analyse the current state of GBV coverage: understanding the existing portrayal of gender-based violence against women and girls in digital news media, including any biases, stereotypes and sensationalism that may exists.
- Impact of digital media on perceptions: Investigate the influence of digital news platforms in shaping public perceptions of GBV, both positively and negatively, and its implications on societal attitudes.
- Responsible journalism and ethical guidelines: deliberate on the importance of responsible reporting and adherence to ethical guidelines while covering GBV, exploring methods to avoid re-traumatising survivors.
- Amplifying survivors’ voices; examine ways in which digital news media can empower survivors by giving them a voice, providing them with agency, and promoting a survivor’s centric narrative
- Tracking online harassment: address the issue of online harassment faced by female journalists and activists while reporting on GBV and discuss strategies for creating safer digital spaces,
- Engaging audiences for positive change: explore how digital news media can engage audiences in understanding GBV issues and mobilise them to support solutions and foster a culture of respect and gender equality
The panel composition includes individuals with expertise in media, gender advocacy, digital media and survivor support. These are: Dr. Patricia Litho, an Academician/researcher with expertise in media and gender representation; Sarah Kagingo a representative from a leading digital news platform to share insights on content policies and guidelines; Clothtilda Babirekere, a Gender expert from civil society offering insights into the impact of meidia coverage on GBV and GBV survivors. Another key expert is Carol Beyenga a prominent journalist and editor knowledgeable on gender related reporting and digital media, and Trisha Akankwasa, an online influencer.
Under the theme: “Harnessing Citizens’ Potential: Fostering Ownership, Expression, Enjoyment and Innovation for SDGs”, the two-day festival (Thursday 10/Friday 11, August 2023) being held at KCCA Lugogo grounds targets various stakeholders in Government (Ministries, Departments Agencies and Local Governments); CSOs; the Private Sector; Development Partners and Special Interest Groups. This will provide platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue to discuss issues regarding Uganda’s development, showcase innovations and also share best practices.
The panel discussion by UMWA will yield valuable insights and recommendations on fostering responsible, survivor centric and inclusive coverage of gender-based violence on women and girls in digital news media. The outcomes will be documented and shared widely to create awareness, initiate positive changes in media practices, and inspire collaborative efforts towards addressing GBV.
By analysing the coverage of gender based violence on women and girls in digital news, an atmosphere of empathy, understanding, and informed reporting will be fostered. UMWA believes that responsible journalism and inclusive media practices can play a significant role in combating GBV and creating a safer digital space for all.
According to the Kampala SDG festival, the event seeks to mobilize, inspire and connect people and organizations for the acceleration of the implementation of SDGs in Uganda. The festival will uphold the principle of “Leave No One Behind” which calls for the inclusive participation of everyone at all levels.
The Festival will discuss progress on the SDGs and identify areas and gaps that need to be fast-tracked for the realisation of the 2030 Agenda. The overall objective of the festival is to provide a platform for creating awareness and promoting the localisation of the SDGs in Uganda.
