Hoosain Karjieker
CEO, The Mail & Guardian
Gender based violence in the media is the one ways our society can know about what happens in our country. Reporting on Gender Based Violence and Femicide is raw, gritty and reaches into the depths of a writer’s talents. It is difficult to write these words, to tell the stories of South Africa’s hidden shame. Hiding these stories is evidently no longer a possibility. Our news coverage must tell our population the words that need to be heard. We owe it to the women and children who struggle quietly and in pain, in fear, to help where we can, how we can and when we can.
Reporting can also be dangerous. When journalists tell stories carelessly, or without proper training, survivors suffer the consequences: stigma, exploitation or retaliation.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa recently introduced three new bills to parliament that are designed to bring justice to the victims of gender-based violence (GBV). His strengthened stance on tackling GBVF gives the country some hope but it is our role as a South African news publication, to continue to show the country what is happening and what needs to be done. What can be done.
The Mail and Guardian is adopting a strengthened position on reporting on the issues around the abuse of women and children. We have created a visual campaign engaging men to come to the forefront of this conversation. We are focusing on influencing men from the home front and at an early age through our theme “If I could Whisper In my Son’s Ear – Conversations by men, for men.”
This project is our contribution to the National fight against GBVF as the Media and will be an ongoing effort from our organisation.
The videos and articles in this special digital campaign and supplement emphasize the importance of news coverage of concerns around GBVF, how the media has covered GBVF in the past and how we are emphasising on reporting going forward. We hope you read and watch the content with an open heart and a determined mind – what you learn can help our society change the future of women and children in South Africa.
A big thank you to all the organisations and participants for being a part of this project and supporting our cause.