FAWE Ghana trains fourth cohort of Journalists in Upper East under SHARE project
The three-day training workshop, held in Bolgatanga from Thursday, September 11, to Saturday, September 13, marked the fourth in a series of workshops under the Sexual Health and Reproductive Education (SHARE) Project.
The Ghana Chapter of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) has trained 19 Journalists in the Upper East Region to report on Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR) and Gender Equality Advocacy.
The three-day training workshop, held in Bolgatanga from Thursday, September 11, to Saturday, September 13, marked the fourth in a series of workshops under the Sexual Health and Reproductive Education (SHARE) Project.
Participants received guidance on gender-sensitive reporting and interviewing skills to help champion adolescent reproductive health rights and gender equality.
Kwasi Ghartey Tagoe, a media consultant and facilitator for the training, said the program seeks to influence society’s perception of ASRHR and gender equality, with Journalists playing a central role.
“The idea is that we want the journalist to acquire some skill in the reporting of these matters so that there will be some attitude change. Journalists are very powerful. You might not know this, but the stories that we churn out influence society a great deal. ” He stated.
Elikem Katsekpor, a Project Officer for the SHARE Project, emphasized the crucial role of Journalists in addressing challenges related to ASRHR and gender equality.
“As organisations working on a project like this, the trust that we gain from the community is better solidified with the work we do with Journalists, especially those who are in the region of operation. Both radio and print are powerful tools for development if used very well, we believe the journalists trained will harness this and serve as watchdogs.” Katsekpor added.
Participants described the training as a major boost to their professional practice, particularly in reporting on ASRHR and gender equality issues.
“On gender sensitivity, one thing is for sure, I will have to protect minors and victims. I will use my medium as a way of educating and seeking out the right people to educate people on Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights and gender equality.” said Hannah Barribilla, a participant and Journalist with GBC URA.
The SHARE Project is implemented by a consortium including Right To Play, FAWE, FHI 360, and WaterAid, with funding from the Canada Fund. It aims to remove barriers to health-related human rights and improve access to sexual and reproductive education.
The project is being implemented in four districts of the Upper East Region: Kassena-Nankana Municipality, Kassena-Nankana West District, Bongo District, and Builsa South District.
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