The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) has successfully concluded a three-day training workshop for journalists in Bolgatanga. The workshop, which commenced on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Ganass Hotel, aimed to equip journalists with the necessary tools and skills to effectively report on Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR), Gender Equality, and Gender-Sensitive Communication. The training emphasized developing competencies in writing and reporting on ASRHR and gender equality issues within the districts and region.
The participants, selected from radio and television presenters, print media personnel, and Community Information Center (CIC) workers, engaged in an interactive training session facilitated by Communication for Development (C4D) consultant, David Kwesi Wi Ghartey-Tagoe.
The first day focused on gender-sensitive reporting, where participants were taught to be language-conscious, ensure fair representation of both men and women, and amplify the voices of women, girls, and other vulnerable groups. The session also covered ASRHR, gender equality, and key media ethics and codes of conduct related to these topics.
On the second day, participants developed their reporting skills, particularly in interviewing techniques, talk show hosting, and gender-sensitive reporting during emergencies. The session emphasized the importance of protecting victims from stigmatization and ensuring ethical coverage of gender-based issues.
Participants applied their newly acquired skills by working on story selection and presentation. They presented the outcomes of their group discussions and received feedback and general comments from their peers and the facilitator.
Speaking to A1 Radio’s Gifty Eyram Kudiabor after the training concluded on Friday, March 28, 2025, facilitator David Kwesi Wi Ghartey-Tagoe commended the participants for their engagement and contributions to the workshop’s success.
He emphasized the impact of such training programs, stating, “the whole idea of the workshop was to equip journalists with the necessary skills to report on Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights and Gender Equality. We wanted them to explore the critical issues, nuances, and relationships in gender reporting.”
He further noted, “the participants were quite lively, engaged, and actively involved in all the practical exercises. We analyzed good and bad reporting practices, the use of language, and ethical considerations. By the end of the training, all participants committed to integrating these insights into their work. If such initiatives continue, we will gradually shift mindsets and attitudes toward gender-based issues.”
Participants expressed satisfaction with the training, highlighting its positive impact on their professional growth.
One participant, Alexander Bombande, reflected on his experience, saying,
“It has been an impactful training for me. I have learned and unlearned certain practices that I believe will enhance my journey as a journalist.”
With the success of this training, FAWE continues to play a vital role in shaping gender-sensitive journalism and fostering ethical, responsible reporting on critical social issues.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Ghana
