Voices for Justice

Media Trained to Protect Survivors of Gender-Based Violence

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (19 June 2025) - The National Legal Aid Clinic for Women (NLACW) has called on journalists across Zambia to embrace gender-sensitive and legally sound reporting to safeguard the rights of women, girls, and children.

At the conclusion of a three-day media training workshop held at Exotic Hotel in Lusaka, NLACW Executive Director Mandy Mandy highlighted the pivotal role the media plays in amplifying marginalized voices, raising public awareness, and advancing justice.

“The media serves as a vital partner in the pursuit of social justice. By adhering to ethical and accurate reporting standards, journalists empower communities with knowledge about their rights and hold duty bearers accountable,” she stated.

This training, funded by Sida, the Swedish development agency, aligns with NLACW’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, designed to enhance legal literacy and broaden access to justice for vulnerable populations. The initiative covers 70 districts, with legal representation extended to all 10 provinces through collaborations with private legal practitioners and community paralegals.

Mandy underscored that Zambia’s updated Legal Aid Policy broadens legal aid to include legal information dissemination and formally recognizes the essential contributions of community-based paralegals. 

“NLACW is accredited to equip these paralegals, who play a crucial role in providing legal guidance and linking survivors of gender-based violence to critical services such as police, courts, shelters, and other support agencies,” she elaborated.

“Paralegals form the frontline response, especially in rural settings where formal legal services are scarce. They bridge the divide between formal judicial structures and traditional justice mechanisms,” she added.

Gender-Based Violence: A Silent Epidemic

Mandy expressed grave concern about the escalating incidence of gender-based violence (GBV) in Zambia, describing it as a “silent epidemic.” 

She observed, “While heightened awareness has led to increased reporting, the underlying prevalence remains alarmingly high.”

“We need urgent, coordinated national efforts, similar to our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Women, girls, and children continue to bear the brunt of this violence, and it demands our serious attention,” she emphasized.

She further highlighted that harmful cultural norms perpetuate GBV and praised traditional authorities in regions such as Muchinga and Central provinces for their collaboration with NLACW to combat these practices. 

“Chiefs in districts like Chinsali, Shibuyunji, and under Chief Shakumbula are actively drafting community bylaws aligned with the Anti-GBV Act,” she noted.

“These leaders are championing a culture that rejects violence and encourages positive transformation within communities,” Mandy added.

Media’s Role in Advancing Gender Equality — John Chola

During the workshop, facilitator John Chola urged media practitioners to take a more proactive stance in promoting gender equality and defending the rights of women, girls, and children.

“Despite numerous initiatives over the years—including efforts by the National Legal Aid Clinic for Women and the Law Association of Zambia—significant gender disparities persist,” Chola remarked. 

“Experts even warn that in some areas, we may be regressing rather than advancing.”

He attributed this stagnation partly to the media’s insufficient focus on gender-related topics. 

“Stories highlighting the rights and experiences of women, girls, and children seldom feature in mainstream news. These issues deserve regular, ongoing coverage—not just occasional attention. The media must become catalysts for change.”

Chola emphasized the value of media literacy programs like the NLACW training. 

“In the past three days, we have explored ethical standards, challenged stereotypes, advocated for inclusive language, and reviewed vital tools for gender-responsive journalism. Journalists are now better equipped to report these stories with sensitivity and accuracy.”

He critiqued the media’s tendency to disproportionately associate women with scandal. 

“People of all genders are involved in misconduct, yet the media does not spotlight them equally. This imbalance needs correction.”

He encouraged media outlets to implement clear editorial policies prioritizing gender issues. 

“At a radio station where I worked, gender stories were consistently included in every bulletin at 6:45, 12:45, and 18:30. Newspapers maintained dedicated columns for such topics. This approach should be widely adopted.”

Chola stressed the necessity of covering pressing matters such as early child marriage, teenage pregnancies, and child neglect. 

“These topics are vital because they reflect the lived realities of many women, girls, and children in Zambia.”

He concluded by challenging journalists and newsroom leaders alike: “You have acquired the knowledge—now it is your responsibility, together with your editors, to institutionalize gender reporting. When done deliberately and consistently, we move beyond merely informing the public; we contribute to building a more just and equitable society.”

The Duty to "Do No Harm" in Reporting

The training underscored the legal mandates outlined in the Anti-GBV Act and Children’s Code Act, which strictly prohibit revealing the identities of survivors, witnesses, and minors involved in judicial processes.

“We have observed instances—particularly on social media—where these protections have been breached,” Mandy warned. 

“Even when reporting on court proceedings, journalists must safeguard the privacy and dignity of survivors. Our reporting must never cause harm.”

The workshop brought together representatives from 25 media organizations nationwide to strengthen competencies in legal compliance, accountability, and rights-based storytelling.

The Road Ahead

NLACW reaffirmed its dedication to partnering with the media, government bodies, and traditional leaders to expand equitable access to justice. 

Mandy appealed, “We urge newsrooms to institutionalize gender-sensitive policies and continue collaborating to uplift the voices of marginalized communities.”

“We anticipate witnessing a rise in gender-responsive, legally accurate reporting as we collectively strive to uphold the rights and dignity of every Zambian,” she concluded.

For more information about NLACW’s initiatives or to report gender-based violence, contact your nearest legal aid office or visit their official website.