SEED and the Journalism Initiative on GBV (JiG) Launch Pocket Guide for Media Practitioners on Ethical Engagement and Reporting on Survivors of GBV
September, 28 – Erbil, Iraq: Today, on World News Day, SEED Foundation and the Journalism Initiative on Gender-Based Violence (JiG), are proud to launch a new pocket guide designed to enhance ethical engagement and reporting on survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and those at-risk. This essential tool is designed to support media practitioners, including journalists, photographers, and editors, reporting on women and GBV across Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and beyond.
Reporting on GBV is essential to raise awareness and advocate for change, but it must be done carefully to avoid exacerbating harm; requiring a balance between telling the story and safeguarding the dignity and safety of survivors.
With a high prevalence of GBV, including femicide, and “honor” killing in Iraq and Kurdistan, there is a critical need for the ethical treatment and representation of all women in the media. This is needed to prevent dangerous and stigmatizing coverage that may negatively impact public opinion, leading to dangerous rhetoric within the community, or encouraging further violence against women.
Women, in particular survivors of violence, should be treated with respect, have their safety and security treated as paramount, and be represented in a dignified manner by the media. In the lead up to the Kurdistan Region’s parliamentary elections, this must be a key priority, since violence against women candidates was prevalent during previous election cycles in both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region; notably online abuse and harassment.
This pocket guide aims to address knowledge gaps among media practitioners, particularly on issues related to obtaining informed consent and referrals to service providers when needed, and presents practical tools that aim to ensure their reporting does not endanger or re-traumatize survivors.
The partnership between SEED and JiG underscores a joint commitment to improving media practices around GBV, and a shared vision to promote responsible journalism that prioritizes the safety and well-being of survivors.
World News Day is a global initiative which aims to draw public attention to the role that journalists play in providing trustworthy news and information that serves citizens and democracy. Today, and everyday, SEED and JiG call for the media to take responsibility for the power of their words and actions.
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This pocket guide reflects the core principles outlined in Silence and Omissions: A Media Guide for Covering Gender-Based Violence, published by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership at Rutgers University in 2021.
SEED Foundation is a local NGO in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, committed to protecting, empowering, and supporting the recovery of survivors of violence and others at risk. Our approach to this mission is integrative and holistic. We provide quality and comprehensive services, including mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), legal, protection, and shelter services; training, capacity building, and education for those working to protect and serve survivors; and policy and advocacy to strengthen laws, policies, practices, and protections for vulnerable people, and to promote social change.
The Journalism Initiative on Gender-Based Violence works with independent journalists, media outlets and Schools of Journalism to strengthen reporting on gender-based violence, reduce its prevalence globally, and advocate for women journalists under threat — particularly those from marginalized communities, and those under attack for reporting on gender-based violence. The initiative is part of the Institute for Women’s Leadership at Rutgers, and Rutgers Global. Our website link https://gbvjournalism.org.
For media enquiries:
SEED Foundation – media@seedkurdistan.org
JiG – cathy.otten@rutgers.edu