MCM Trains Journalists on Ethical Reporting of Gender-Based Violence and Children's Issues in Mzuzu

Mzuzu, Malawi - The Media Council of Malawi is holding a two-day training on media ethics and information governance in Mzuzu, aimed at improving media coverage of gender-based violence (GBV), women's issues, and children's issues, writes Tionge Hara.

The training, focused on engaging journalists from the Northern region, began Wednesday, with journalists from Karonga, Nkhatabay, Mzimba, Likoma, and Mzuzu City in attendance.

During the training, journalists were organized into groups to discuss the role of media in reporting on GBV and violence against children (VAC) in Malawi and achieving gender equality.

The facilitator of the training, Lickson Ng'ambi, highlighted the issues of understanding GBV, status, and challenges/gaps in implementing and achieving solutions.

Moses Kaufa, the Executive Director of the Media Council of Malawi, stressed the importance of ethical reporting on GBV and VAC in promoting gender equality in Malawi.

"We need to ensure that our reporting is accurate, informative, and respectful of the victims," he said.

"By doing so, we can help to raise awareness of these issues and work towards creating a more just and equal society."

The Media Council of Malawi hopes that the training will lead to more accurate and informed reporting on GBV, women's issues, and children's issues, which can help to raise awareness and improve outcomes for victims.

Philip Chinkhokwe, a representative from the Media Council of Malawi, emphasized the organization's commitment to continuing to orient journalists on the code of ethics.

He stated that the training is an important step towards ensuring that Malawi's journalists are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to report on sensitive topics in an ethical and responsible manner.

The training will conclude today, with journalists from the northern region taking away new knowledge and skills to apply in their reporting.

The Media Council of Malawi hopes that the training will lead to more responsible and ethical reporting on GBV, women's issues, and children's issues in Malawi, ultimately driving positive change in the country.