Reporting on Gender-Based Violence in the Syria Crisis: Facilitator's Guide

"While the media have a major role to play in tackling all types of violence, both traditional and new media in the Arab region continue to perpetuate stereotypes and generalisations about gender-based violence. Ethically flawed, unprofessional, and biased reporting can add to women's suffering inside their country and in refugee camps across the region."

The purpose of the training workshop outlined in this manual from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is: to improve the skills of media professionals and communication officers in reporting gender-based violence (GBV) in humanitarian crisis settings; to enhance the quality of reporting by instilling ethical principles; and to increase awareness among the general population and decision makers of the importance of GBV as a health and human rights problem, and its common occurrence. The context is that, according to UNFPA, 5 years on, "the Syria Crisis shockwaves still reverberate across an already volatile region. Syrian women bear the full hardship of this open-ended conflict, as they pay the price of social stigma and displacement inside the country and in the five neighbouring countries [Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq, and Egypt], which are now home to more than four million refugees. Almost always, they are affected by gender-based violence, which tends to increase in times of duress as familial bonds weaken as a result of forced migration and displacement."

In this context, "[i]n their pursuit of sensational news stories, journalists may smear the survivors reputations or even jeopardise their lives, instead of highlighting their plight in a professional and responsible manner. Moreover, some journalists sometimes fail to link gender-based violence to human rights issues, gender equality, social norms and societal development. Unfortunately, this type of reporting does not encourage a deeper understanding of the best ways of addressing it. UNFPA aims to build the knowledge and skills of journalists on issues relating to gender-based violence in Syria and neighbouring countries."

This training manual enables a journalist or other trainer to conduct a 2- or 3-day training workshop. The first part of the curriculum begins with training and group discussion about basic concepts and principles that will help participants develop a clear understanding of the meaning of GBV. The programme continues with detailed information about the consequences of GBV on women and girls, family members, and the wider community, as well as the survivor support services needed. The trainer will also cover the causes and contributing factors, shining a light on prevention and how best to develop effective prevention strategies. The second part of the curriculum focuses on the ethical principles of reporting on GBV, including what to do and what to avoid. It also includes tips for the journalists to consider during interviews and when to report on GBV-related issues. A variety of handouts and annexes conclude the guide, featuring resources such as a reporting on GBV flowchart and pre- and post-training questionnaires.

Click here for the guidebook in PDF format (English).
Click here for the guidebook in PDF format (Arabic).