Development organisation tasks media on robust reportage of sexual violence

A call has been made by Hacey Health Initiative- a development organisation focused on improving the health and productivity of the under-served in Africa- for the media to focus on more robust reportage of sexual violence especially against the girl child.

The call was made during a media parley to commemorate the United Nations 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, with the theme, “Orange the world; Hear Me Too”.

According to Rhoda Robinson Director, Gender Development Programs at Hacey Health Initiative, the media is the main information source concerning crime and sexual assault for the majority of the public.

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“By covering a range of events related to sexual assault, the media can help create a greater understanding of what sexual assault is and why it is unacceptable. This approach fosters public attitudes of non-tolerance towards sexual violence,” Rhoda said.

She also added during the parley which mainly focused on the elimination of violence against women and girls, that any information presented in the media, should refrain from spreading myths and stereotypes about sexual assault, men, and women in order to avoid sustaining unfounded prejudices among the public.

The media parley also witnessed the handing of awards to three gender advocates namely; Grace Edwin-Okon, Layole Oyatogun and Lisa Omorodion for their efforts at helping the organisation achieve its objectives.

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