Reporters get lessons on ways to support the elimination of violence against women

Physical and sexual violence against women is common worldwide and is a gross infringement of women’s rights, but thousands continue to suffer from such abuse on a daily basis.
Many humanitarian groups have tried to raise awareness of human rights, and those of women in particular, but abuse remains commonplace, including in developed countries.
One of the prevailing beliefs in Laos is that men are the decision-makers and the ones exercising control. This perceived domination is one of the factors in the widespread and silent acceptance of sexual abuse by men.

Workshop participants practise an interview with a victim of abuse.

Last week the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, together with the Promotion Committee for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children, organised a two-day workshop titled “On Elimination of Violence against Women” for reporters from leading media outlets in Laos, namely the Vientiane Times, Paxaxon and Pathetlao newspapers, Lao National Radio and Lao National Television, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The workshop aimed to teach reporters about issues relating to the prevention and elimination of violence against women and children, as a part of raising awareness among the general public so that more people are better informed about the effects of violence on women.
Speaking at the workshop, Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Mr Ounthuang Khaophanh said the use of violence against women and children is prevalent in Lao communities and in many other countries around the world.
Images of violence abound on social media, which is seen as a serious danger that will have a negative effect on societies in the long run as well as on the future of women and children.
Mr Ounthuang said the workshop was important because it would broaden reporters’ knowledge about the work being done to prevent and stamp out the use of violence against women and children.
Reporters can play an influential role because they are the voice of the Party, state and the public when it comes to providing information and disseminating the Party and state’s policies and programmes, he said.
On the first day of the workshop, participants learnt about the role of reporting in relation to this issue, how to write and present news items about the topic, and how to choose suitable images or videos when presenting news about the prevention and elimination of violence against women.
Reporters were also advised to consider the ethics of reporting on this issue and to ensure accuracy, fairness and impartiality, their duty to inform while respecting privacy and confidentiality, the need to protect their source, never to pay for an interview, to do no harm, and to maintain a survivor-centred approach.
Gender-Based Violence Specialist with UNFPA, Victoria Dart, who was the main speaker at the workshop, shared her experiences of violence against women in other countries and in Laos.
There are often reports in the media about the violence inflicted on women in Laos, Ms Dart observed, but mostly these incidents occur after their attacker has been drinking or taking drugs. Unfortunately, such attacks are perceived as being the norm, because it is generally accepted that men wield more power than women.
 “The people in Bangladesh are mostly Muslim and don’t drink alcohol, but the incidence of sexual violence is 40 percent higher than in Laos, so drink is not at all the reason,” she said.
 On the second day, participants split into groups to write an example of an article about the elimination of violence against women, based on the ethical principles they had discussed the previous day.
This part of the workshop was very fruitful, as reporters had the chance to share their ideas and experiences, while making suggestions as how to write a sympathetic and impartial article.
Ms Dart said it was important to respect the privacy and safety of survivors of abuse, and to protect their identity by not disclosing their name or personal details, such as where they live.
At the end of the workshop, reporters were asked to publicise organisations and places where people can provide information, report an incident, or seek help. The 24-hour hotlines 1362, 1361 and 137 are available, which people can call for assistance or advice, with all calls treated in strict confidence.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update September 7, 2022)