The West African Broadcast and Media Academy (WABMA), a non-governmental organization, has conducted a training session for journalists on global best practices in reporting Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases.
The training, held in Enugu on Thursday, was part of WABMA’s broader efforts to strengthen ethical journalism and promote social justice through responsible media.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Chidiebere Njoku, Chief Operations Head of WABMA in Enugu State, emphasized the organization’s commitment to media as a powerful tool for societal transformation.
“WABMA Media Development Foundation is a non-profit development and impact-driven arm of the WABMA based in Nigeria, with campuses in Enugu, Abuja, and Lagos,” she said.
Njoku explained that the foundation operates at the intersection of media, development, and democracy.
“It focuses on building the capacity of journalists, content creators, and civic actors to drive inclusive narratives, hold power holders to account, and amplify voices from underrepresented communities,” she added.
She noted that WABMA’s core areas of interest include ethical and development journalism, SGBV prevention and media advocacy, gender-responsive reporting, as well as election coverage, civic engagement, climate and public health communication, media literacy, and youth empowerment.
As part of its strategy, Njoku said the foundation is also working with cultural and religious leaders across Southern Nigeria to shift community attitudes on SGBV.
“By this, we engage religious and cultural leaders across Southern Nigeria to champion SGBV prevention, influence community norms, and enhance visibility through media training and storytelling,” she explained.
She further highlighted WABMA’s long-term vision: “To be the leading catalyst for transformative media excellence and social impact in West Africa.”
“The aim is to build the capacity of media institutions and practitioners for a free, independent, diverse, and development-oriented media that strengthens democratic values and empowers communities,” Njoku said.
One of the resource persons at the training, Dr. Ambrose Igboke, a Regional Communications Consultant, addressed the issue of societal stereotypes fueling SGBV.
“Narratives about SGBV are stereotypes which are rooted in the religion and traditions of the people,” he said.
Igboke pointed out that gender imbalance persists across many developing countries, including Nigeria.
“It has continued to bring discrimination in the society,” he stated.
He called for an end to such stereotypes, stressing that “people should be able to bring out their best in opportunities or positions they find themselves without thinking of what people would say against them.”
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Ngozi Ebo, Executive Director of the Global Initiative for Development, Care of Women and Youths, advised journalists to protect the identity of survivors when reporting SGBV cases.
“Journalists should avoid blames, when interviewing survivors, as they may not like to speak up until they ensure that they will be protected,” she cautioned.
Some of the journalists who participated in the workshop expressed satisfaction with the training, pledging to improve their approach to reporting on SGBV issues moving forward.
