A member of Board of Trustees (BoT) of The Nation Journalism Foundation, Mrs. Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo, yesterday called for an action against gender-based violence (GBV).
She made the call at a seminar organized by the foundation in Lagos.
Mrs. Gbadebo was joined by a panel of experts to discuss the theme: Breaking the Media Silence Around Gender-Based Violence.
The panel focused on the media’s critical role in raising awareness and establishing change.
The experts include Precious Igbonwelundu; Mr. Adekunle Yusuf, and Mr. Yinka Aderibigbe.
They emphasized the media’s potential in challenging harmful narratives and promote survivor-centered reporting.
Mrs. Ajayi-Gbadebo said that Gender-Based Violence is not merely a personal or isolated problem but a deeply entrenched societal issue, made worse by a culture of silence and stigma.
She said: “Parents don’t want to talk about it, religious organizations shy away from addressing it.”
She called on the media to specialize in this area of reporting, enabling journalists to uncover and address the complexities of GBV effectively.
On the psychological impact of GBV on survivors, the BoT member explained the difference between trauma and stigma, noting, “Trauma is immediate and deeply personal, while stigma arises when society becomes aware, often accompanied by shame.
She shared a poignant story of an eight-year-old rape survivor whose life remains overshadowed by the enduring trauma of the incident.
Mrs. Gbadebo highlighted how GBV transcends physical violence, extending to psychological and verbal abuse.
“When you repeatedly belittle someone, your wife, child, or even a colleague, you’re causing psychological harm. For children, this erodes confidence and instills fear, particularly for young girls who may carry these scars into adulthood.”
She called for a shift in journalistic practices, advising the media to prioritise sensitive and informed reporting on GBV cases.
“We must learn to listen and educate through our platforms. Discuss these issues on radio, in communities, and at places of worship. Violence isn’t just physical, it’s also street harassment, trafficking, and forced marriages,” she stated.
Mrs. Ajayi-Gbadebo called for a societal transformation driven by collective responsibility.
“This is not just about that girl walking on the street. It’s about your daughter, your wife, your niece, your mother. One in three women has been raped in her lifetime. We must stand together to protect them.”
“The media must amplify survivors’ voices, advocate for systemic change, and push for societal enlightenment. When you return to your homes, villages, and communities, let the message spread: gender-based violence affects us all.”
Mr. Adekunle stressed the need for consistent follow-ups on GBV stories, urging journalists to move beyond single-event coverage to sustained advocacy.
“When we prioritize follow-ups, we ensure that survivors’ voices remain heard, and systemic issues are brought to light,” he remarked.
Mrs. Igbonwelundu spoke about femicide, citing alarming cases of women targeted and murdered, such as six girls who disappeared after a house party in Lekki, Lagos island.
She called for a specific law addressing femicide, stating, “Targeted killing of women is an overlooked issue. We need to push the National Assembly to enact laws that specifically tackle femicide.”
Mrs. Igbonwelundu emphasized the importance of shifting societal blame away from survivors and addressing deep-rooted cultural and legal gaps.
She also advocated for the establishment of specialized courts and laws to tackle femicide. “There should be laws put in place to persecute those found guilty of femicide”, she added.
Mr. Aderibigbe discussed the importance of partnering with NGOs and development agencies to strengthen advocacy efforts.
He hailed states like Ekiti and Lagos for their initiatives, such as dedicating November to GBV advocacy and creating specialized courts.
He urged other states to follow suit, highlighting the need for sustained advocacy.