Kwara Stakeholders Encourage Journalists to Report on Rights Abuses and GBV

During a recent meeting in Ilorin, stakeholders in the health and development sectors called on journalists in Kwara State to expose rights abuses and gender-based violence (GBV). They emphasized the importance of protecting the dignity and privacy of victims in their reporting.

The meeting focused on stigma, rights abuse, GBV, and discrimination against vulnerable groups. It was organized under a project aimed at improving sexual and reproductive health services and managing communicable diseases.

Stephen Akinyele, Executive Director of the Hope for Family Development Initiative (HFDI), highlighted the role of the media in countering harmful misconceptions. He urged journalists and social media influencers to share accurate information about vulnerable populations, including those living with HIV and GBV survivors.

Akinyele mentioned that HFDI has reached around 50,000 community members with messages about sexual and reproductive health. They have also trained 250 community and religious leaders and facilitated numerous community initiatives to combat stigma and discrimination.

Chioma Oduenyi, Project Director at Jhpiego, noted that the project integrates sexual and reproductive health services with interventions for diseases like HIV and tuberculosis. This approach allows clients to access multiple healthcare services in one visit, saving them time and money.

Oduenyi also called for ongoing community engagement to address stigma and GBV, involving traditional leaders and local committees. Stakeholders urged collaboration among the government, healthcare providers, communities, and media organizations to ensure equitable access to healthcare and protect vulnerable individuals from discrimination and rights abuses.