GEI trains female journalists on ethical reporting of GBV in Sokoto

By Gbolahan Salman, Sokoto

The Gender Educators Initiative (GEI) hasnon Saturday trained 30 female journalists in Sokoto State on ethical and gender-sensitive reporting of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), in a bid to enhance accurate and compassionate storytelling on issues affecting women and girls.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, the Chairperson of GEI, Hajia Sha’afatu Suleiman, said the training was organized to strengthen the capacity of female journalists to report GBV cases with professionalism and empathy.

She expressed concern over the low reportage of GBV in the state, despite the increasing number of cases, noting that survivors often hesitate to speak up due to fear of being misrepresented.

“This training is about learning and unlearning how best to tell the stories of survivors ethically and sensitively,” she said.

Hajia Suleiman explained that GEI remains committed to peacebuilding, dialogue, and social justice through continuous training and advocacy for gender equality.

Representing the Special Adviser to the Governor on Human Rights, the Director-General of NGO and Human Rights Affairs, commended GEI for the initiative, describing ethical reporting as the foundation of credible journalism.

“If journalists lack ethics in their work, their credibility is at stake. Ethical reporting is crucial, especially when dealing with sensitive issues like GBV,” he stated.

In his goodwill message, the General Manager of Al-Ummah TV, Alhaji Bashar Abubakar, said Sokoto now boasts a rising number of competent female journalists, a development that reflects progress in women’s participation in the media.

He noted that the station currently has about 20 female reporters, producers, and editors a feat he described as “a proud contribution to women’s development in journalism.”

He urged participants to take the training seriously, assuring that Al-Ummah TV will continue to support GEI and similar initiatives promoting media professionalism.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Online Media, Mallam Sani Umar, encouraged participants to view journalism as a service to humanity rather than a money-making venture.

“There is no wealth in journalism, but there is honor in serving society with integrity,” he said, advising participants to uphold honesty and commitment to duty.

On her part, the Zonal Vice Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Hajia Rabi Gwadabawa, hailed GEI for empowering women in the profession, describing journalism as “a powerful tool that, when used responsibly, can change lives.”

She reminded participants that GBV also exists in workplaces, where women are often denied opportunities, and urged them to be fearless and factual in their reports.

Gender advocate Hajia Aisha Dogondaji challenged journalists to use sensitive language and follow up on GBV cases to ensure justice is served.

“Some reporters, through their questions or framing, unintentionally promote gender bias. You must be the voice of victims, not their judge,” she warned.

Declaring the workshop open, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Usman Muhammad Binji, called on media organizations to establish GBV Reporting Desks in their newsrooms.

He said the growing rate of gender-based violence in society is worsened by silence, urging journalists to break the cycle through balanced and courageous reporting.

The workshop, organized by Gender Educators Initiative (GEI), brought together women journalists from various media organizations in Sokoto for intensive training on ethical reporting, gender sensitivity, and the role of the media in combating GBV.