Journalists urged to adopt gender-sensitive reporting for inclusive development

20 June 2025, 10:18 am

By Mike Masiira

In a bid to promote and popularise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of leaving no one behind, journalists—particularly those in mainstream media such as radio, television, and daily newspapers—have been urged to undertake gender-sensitive reporting to ensure inclusive development and participation of all genders in national matters.

Ms Catherine Apalat from the Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA), an organisation advocating for gender-sensitive media reporting, emphasised its importance while officiating a one-day onsite media capacity-building workshop at 102.5 Tiger FM-Nabweru. The event was part of their ongoing one-year project titled “Women in Media Project” and was attended by media managers, including the programmes director, editors, reporters, and interns.

Apalat stated that it is time for the media in Uganda to exercise its power by challenging inequalities in society, particularly those affecting marginalised groups such as women and persons with disabilities. She urged media houses to run programmes that dismantle stereotypes and myths surrounding these groups, and to allocate airtime for them to express their views on numerous issues of national importance. Furthermore, she encouraged media practitioners to continue reporting positively on women and the female gender—not just on sex-related issues—but also to highlight their capabilities in areas such as politics, health, security, and the economy, among others.

She commended Tiger FM management for their outstanding work in promoting gender-sensitive and balanced coverage throughout their programmes and encouraged them to maintain these efforts.

Mutendwa Faluk, in charge of talk shows at Tiger FM, spoke on behalf of the station manager and thanked UMWA for its tireless efforts to promote a gender-sensitive media environment that is conducive for all people to exercise and enjoy their rights equally for inclusive development. He also welcomed the partnership with UMWA for positive reporting and mutual development.