Online Reporter
Flora Fadzai Sibanda in Gweru
[email protected]
JOURNALISTS from six districts across Zimbabwe are undergoing specialised training in Gweru to strengthen ethical and accurate reporting on gender-based violence (GBV) and HIV prevention.
The two-day workshop, organised by the Zimbabwe Association of Church-related Hospitals (ZACH) with funding from the National AIDS Council (NAC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is introducing participants to the Start, Awareness, Support, Action (SASA!) community mobilisation approach, which seeks to prevent violence against women while reducing the risk of HIV infection.
The training has brought together journalists from Chimanimani, Umguza, Bindura, Umzingwane, Kwekwe and Masvingo districts.
Speaking during the workshop, NAC Umguza district officer Mrs Mildred Banda said 20 journalists had been selected because of the critical role they play in influencing public attitudes and driving positive social change.
“We deliberately invited journalists who work within our districts because they understand the communities they serve and regularly report on issues affecting them,” she said.
Mrs Banda explained that the SASA! model is implemented in four phases.
“The Start phase sparks discussions on power relations and violence within communities, while the Awareness phase deepens understanding of how gender inequality fuels violence against women and increases vulnerability to HIV,” she said.
“The Support phase equips communities to assist survivors of violence and engage with those responsible for causing harm, while the Action phase empowers individuals and communities to take collective action that brings about lasting social change.”
Mrs Banda said organisers expected the training to improve journalists’ understanding of the programme and strengthen reporting on gender-based violence.
“Our hope is that journalists will leave this workshop with a deeper understanding of the SASA! approach and their role in shaping public perceptions and promoting positive change on issues relating to violence against women,” she said.
Mrs Banda added that the workshop would also provide an opportunity for media practitioners to discuss the challenges they encounter when reporting on gender-based violence and explore ways of improving ethical, sensitive and impactful coverage.
“We know how important journalists are in the fight against violence against women, and we believe this training will equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to report these issues accurately, responsibly and ethically,” said Mrs Banda.
