By Tionge Hara (Contributor)
The Media Council of Malawi (MCM) conducted a specialized training program for journalists on gender-based violence (GBV) reporting, focusing on survivor-centered approaches and solutions-focused techniques.
The two-day training, held Nov. 14-15, brought together journalists to learn improved reporting methods for covering GBV cases.
Moses Kaufa, MCM Executive Director, emphasized ethical reporting standards. “I will continue urging journalists to uphold the highest standards of integrity, accuracy, and fairness in their work,” Kaufa said.
Winston Mwale, Editor-in-Chief of AfricaBrief, led the solutions journalism component. The training taught participants to distinguish between traditional and solutions-based reporting approaches.
Representatives from the Ministry of Gender and Media Council staff served as additional trainers.
The program aimed to shift journalism practices from problem-focused reporting to highlighting effective interventions in GBV cases.
By emphasizing survivor perspectives and successful anti-GBV initiatives, organizers sought to inspire positive community change. Participating journalists learned to balance sensitive reporting with solution-oriented storytelling.
The training represented a significant effort to improve media coverage of gender-based violence in Malawi, introducing more constructive and empathetic reporting strategies.
