VAWG: Avoid Sensationalism, Protect Survivors’ Identities – Gov Adeleke’s Aide Urges Media Practitioners

As CEWHIN Holds 1-day Media Hangout With Journalists In Osun

Special Adviser to Osun Governor on Public Communication, Olusola Ajala, has urged media practitioners in the state to avoid sensationalism and protect survivors’ identities when reporting issues related to Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

Ajala said by doing this it will prevent further harm on the survivors.

The governor’s aide made this known while delivering his keynote speech at a 1-day media hangout with selected journalists cut across print, broadcast and online held at the NUJ Press Center, Osogbo, organized by the Center for Women’s Health and Information (CEWHIN) on Wednesday.

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Speaking, Ajala stressed that the media often sets the tone for how society understands and reacts to critical social issues- including gender-based violence.

According to Ajala, “When reporting on violence against women and girls, media professionals must walk a delicate line. On one hand, they are tasked with uncovering truth, exposing injustice, and amplifying the voices of survivors.

“On the other, they must ensure that their reporting does not re-traumatize victims, reinforce harmful stereotypes, or contribute to societal desensitization. Thus, the ethical reporting of VAWG demands a careful balance of truth, sensitivity, and impact.”

He further stated that “Media is not a passive mirror- it actively constructs social reality. The language used, the images selected, the sources quoted, and even what is left unreported–all shape public attitudes and policy responses.

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“When handled ethically, media can: raise awareness about the prevalence and causes of VAWG, challenge societal norms that tolerate or trivialize violence, highlight the structural and systemic failures that perpetuate abuse, promote services and resources available to survivors as well as inspire collective action and policy reform.”

Ajala emphasized the importance of truth and sensitivity in reporting VAMG, “Truth in journalism is not just about stating facts, it requires accuracy, context, and a deliberate dismantling of myths. Journalists should avoid sensationalism, protect survivors’ identities, obtain informed consent, and ensure their language is respectful.

“Ethical reporting includes providing resources and guidance. Articles should direct readers to hotlines, shelters, legal aid, and advocacy groups. Journalists can also highlight bystander strategies and systemic reforms, turning awareness into action.

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In her remarks, CEWHIN Executive Director, Atinuke Odukoya highlighted the media role as a powerful agenda-setter and mindset shaper saying “the media is a stakeholder in this fight. You may not see yourself as a community leader, but your audience, whether online, on radio, or in print looks to you to shape their understanding and response to gender-based violence.”

Odukoya called on journalists to use their platforms to build a culture where violence is neither normalized nor tolerated, adding “We must get to a place where communities say, ‘We don’t do this here.’ That is the vision for Osun, a State that will say no to all forms of violence against women and girls.”

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Panelists at the event who also contributed to VAWG discourse are; Alara of Ara, Oba Wimbi Dapo, Chairperson of the National Association of Women In Journalism, NAWOJ, Bisola Ariwodola, human rights activist, Lola Whey among others.