PROVIDING ACCURATE INFORMATION TO FIGHT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 AMONG VULNERABLE WOMEN IN THE GA SOUTH MUNICIPAL
Venue: Ga GH Media School – Grater Accra
Date: 5th December, 2020
Background
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) seek to address the structural causes of gender inequalities which are the underlying causes of GBV. In response therefore, Chrissy Foundation with funding support from Plan International Ghana is implementing a six-month project to provide accurate information on covid-19 and also for the elimination of Gender-based Violence (GBV).
The Facilitator, Mrs Magdalene Agyeman Badu told the media personnel; Despite the progress that has been made in the fight against GBV, the prevalence of GBV remains high. Many forms of GBV continue to be perceived as private, relatively unimportant, or a normal part of life. An integrated behaviour change campaign is therefore necessary to prompt communities, as well as those in positions of authority, to change their attitudes and practices related to GBV and get the Affirmative action bill passed into law.
She edged the media that, an intensive multimedia campaign is critical in galvanizing the achievements of the foundation’s and its partners’ efforts and will go a long way in contributing to the reduction in the prevalence of GBV and ensuring that GBV survivors access services and are protected from further harm.
General Objective
The training workshop was intended to ensure that all actors who play a role in facilitating or engaging in media reporting on GBV are aware of and able to prioritize the ethical and safety considerations that preserve the safety, confidentiality and dignity of survivors, their families, their communities, and those who are trying to help them.
Specific Objective
To enhance the knowledge and enlist the support of media in creating awareness among men and women, boys and girls about GBV
To increase awareness and utilization of the available GBV services (prevention, response and management)
To promote zero tolerance to GBV among communities
Achievement
10 media personnel trained and are actively advocating to eradicate false information about COVID-19 and reducing cases on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in the Ga South Municipality.
Lesson Learnt
It was learnt that, the primary mandate of the media is to inform, educate and entertain the public. Through this multifaceted mandate, the media can reinforce or contribute to the improved status quo. Due to this critical role that the media plays, it is imperative to engage it strategically in order to address the root causes and the effects of GBV in society and help curb the spread the Covid-19. The media has a comparative advantage of reaching the hard to reach areas and persons. Messages in the media are perceived as “gospel truth” and with translations to local languages; the media reaches a wide range of people and fosters non-formal education which supports behavioural change. The Multimedia campaign will therefore offer a broader platform to reach out to different segments of people in the society.
