Mama FM

Experience Sharing: Byamukama Alozious on GBV and survivor-centered reporting training

14 October 2024, 10:50 am

By Byamukama Alozious

I recently had the opportunity to participate in a transformative training on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and survivor-centered reporting, organized by the Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA) in partnership with the Austrian Development Cooperation. As a health journalist and gender-sensitive reporter at Mama FM, this training was particularly relevant to my work in addressing the needs of disadvantaged communities in Uganda.

Byamukama Al,ozious, Mama fm Journalist

The training emphasized the critical importance of sensitive and informed reporting on GBV, especially given the alarming statistics showing that 14% of women in Kawempe experience physical violence. Throughout the sessions, we engaged with fellow journalists, health workers, and civil society organizations, sharing experiences and best practices in covering these sensitive issues. This collaboration highlighted the media’s role in not only reporting facts but also amplifying the voices of survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.

One of the key takeaways was the need for journalists to prioritize survivors’ dignity and integrity in their reporting. Dr. Kakungulu Shannon from Ntinda Hospital underscored this point, stressing that our stories must elevate the narratives of survivors rather than exploit their trauma. This insight profoundly reshaped my approach to storytelling, reinforcing the idea that every report should aim to inform and empower.

Inspired by the training, I conducted interviews with my colleagues to learn how they have approached GBV reporting in their work. This collaborative effort allowed me to gather diverse perspectives and compile impactful stories that resonate with our audience. I also initiated training sessions for fellow journalists, focusing on effective health reporting that addresses GBV, thus broadening the reach and impact of our collective efforts.

Moreover, as part of the Health Journalists Network Uganda (HEJNU), I’ve been able to exchange resources and support with other journalists, enhancing our shared mission of advocating for health equity. This collaboration has further fueled my commitment to ensure that marginalized voices are heard and that our reports reflect the complexities of health issues, particularly those related to GBV.

The training’s emphasis on actionable reporting resonated with me. It became clear that our stories must lead to tangible outcomes, bridging the gap between awareness and real-world change. For instance, my colleague Maryum Namakula articulated how the training equipped her to not only inform but also connect survivors with essential support services. This perspective has driven me to refine my own reporting, ensuring that it contributes to a larger advocacy framework that addresses the root causes of GBV.

Additionally, my recent experience covering the violent assault of two journalists in Nansana highlighted the ongoing challenges we face as media practitioners. This incident further underscores the need for robust legal protections for journalists, as well as the importance of standing in solidarity with one another to promote safe and responsible reporting.

In conclusion, the training provided by UMWA was a significant step forward in enhancing the quality of journalism related to GBV in Uganda. It reaffirmed my belief that health journalism can serve as a powerful tool for social change, capable of inspiring communities to take action against violence and discrimination. As I continue my work at Mama FM, I am more committed than ever to using my platform to advocate for health equity and empower survivors of gender-based violence. Together, we can create a future where all individuals are free from violence and discrimination, fostering a society that values dignity, empathy, and justice.