Gender and Media Advocacy: Sixteen Days of Activism and media activism

1. Gender and Media Advocacy:Sixteen Days of Activism and media activism

2. “A journalist should never get involved in a story or they lose their objectivity” – is this true?

3. What is media activism? • Media activism – uses media and communication technologies for social change • American journalist – civic or public journalism which seeks to extend the work of the press (media) beyond the news pages into civic life

4. About the Sixteen Days • Period between 25 November – 10 December where globally various stakeholders – gvt, civil society and even pvt sector raise awareness against VAW Key dates to note during the campaign are: • 25 November: International Day of no Violence Against Women • 1 December: World AIDS Day • 3 December: International Day for the Disabled • 6 December: Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre- where 14 female engineering students were gunned down by a man as they were allegedly feminist. • 10 December: Human Rights Day

5. 16 Days and media activism • 16 Days an intense campaign period; many dimensions of gender violence explored • 16 Days one of the those times when GBV coverage increases – does media not play a role in activism? • Can the media be really neutral in its coverage – journalists experiences and biases usually come in • When they pursue different subjects such as corruption, HIV and AIDS, war, politics, etc and even gender based violence is this really possible • There is a argument that – media is merely a mirror society • Is this really the case?? – Allegiance to objectivity often comes at a price of community understanding and engagement

6. 16 Days and media activism • Gender Links and other gender and media partners have harnessed the power of media in conveying advocacy messages • We believe that if you use media effectively and responsibility – can effect social transformation • Media coverage of 16 Days has increasingly gravitated towards media activism over the years • Annually a media debate - time for reflection – media part of the problem or the solution in addressing gender violence?

7. Media strategies used during past 16 Days at regional & country level • Media kits – Thematic fact sheets are produced to help media in their coverage of GBV during that period • Training of journalists – SADC GBV provisions, ethical and standards, etc • Opinion and commentary service – The argument is women are not available to make comments and are afraid to tell their own stories • ‘I’ stories – As part of the aim to make every voice count, women and men who have experienced violence tell their own stories • Cyber dialogues – Making IT work for gender justice (online chats)

8. Results • Increased awareness of GBV – GCIS statistics • 16% in 2003 • 26% in 2005 • 33% in 2006 • 2007 (first quarter) – 32% • More access to information • TV – 81%; Radio – 46% Newspapers – 18% and word of mouth – 12%

9. Sustainability • Yes – there is a growing movement of gender and media activists • Gender Links, GEMSA, GEM Summit • Increased reach • Training has been done annually with media and various gender activists