Survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) have expressed deep concerns over the media’s handling of stories on violence against women and girls (VAWG). During an engagement organized by the Uganda Women Media Association (UMWA), in partnership with Austrian Development Cooperation, survivors and social workers from Kawempe Division’s Kimombasa slum, known for its high incidence of GBV and VAWG, highlighted the media’s role in exacerbating the problem.
Margaret Nalungaya, one of the survivors, noted that media coverage often lacks proper follow-ups, leaving survivors to cope with the aftermath on their own.
“Journalists are always hungry for breaking stories, but they never consider how these stories impact us afterward,” she explained.
A civil society representative raised additional concerns about privacy breaches. “While I may have agreed to share my story, the lack of confidentiality strips me of my privacy and dignity. I become a subject of public scrutiny,” they shared.
The event was part of a two-month project aimed at improving media responsiveness to GBV and VAWG. The multi-sector dialogue involved survivors, media practitioners, and civil society groups in Kampala and Kawempe Division, and it focused on the need for ethical, sensitive reporting to better protect survivors.
According to a 2023 Uganda Bureau of Statistics survey, sexual violence against women and girls aged 10-59 is highest in Central Uganda, with 32% of women in the region experiencing violence. In Kawempe alone, over 14% of women have suffered physical violence. The group emphasized that GBV stories need to be reported with dignity, confidentiality, and context, which can help create a safer space for survivors to share their experiences without fear of further harm.
However, survivors criticized current media practices as insensitive and stereotypical, often failing to address the complexity of GBV issues.
Dr. Shannon Kakungulu of Ntinda Hospital stressed that “humanity and justice demand that media prioritize the dignity of survivors and amplify their voices with integrity and empathy.”
Margaret Sentamu, Executive Director of UMWA, urged journalists to focus on fairness and justice in their reporting, rather than prioritizing political stories. She emphasized the importance of proper planning and research before covering GBV cases, and encouraged reporters to consider the impact of their work on survivors.
The women also called for gender-responsive journalism training to equip reporters with the skills needed to handle GBV stories sensitively. While some credited the media for raising awareness and supporting legal action against perpetrators, they stressed that more efforts were needed, especially in providing adequate resources and support for journalists covering these issues.
The role of social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) in naming and shaming GBV perpetrators was also highlighted as a positive development, creating space for more survivors’ voices to be heard.
Clothilda Babirekere, a gender specialist, called for greater collaboration between media, civil society, and local leaders to combat GBV. She urged survivors to break their silence and push for justice, reminding them of the importance of knowing their legal rights and working with the media to raise awareness and seek solutions.
