This toolkit is for media professionals across Africa. It provides guidelines on how to report on female genital mutilation (FGM) in a gender-sensitive, accurate, and constructive manner.
FGM is internationally recognized as a gross human rights violation, a form of violence against women and girls, and a manifestation of gender inequality and discrimination.
The role of the media is therefore pivotal in increasing public understanding about social issues, shaping public discourse, and influencing policy-makers’ decisions. As such, media professionals – including journalists, editors, editors-in-chief, and photographers – all have a significant part to play in helping end FGM by shining a public spotlight and framing it as a human rights and child abuse issue that needs to be urgently addressed.
FGM is a complex and emotive concern that can be challenging to report on. It requires a nuanced understanding of how best to educate and engage audiences, protect survivors and those at risk, and foster positive social change.
This second edition of the toolkit was developed by Equality Now as part of the Spotlight Initiative and through the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to support media professionals in their efforts to report on FGM.
Explore other editions of this toolkit, both global and specific to Kenya.