Global Neighbourhood for Media Innovation (GNMI) has organized an expert consultation aimed at enhancing collaboration and networking between media and civil society to address critical social issues. This consultation has corroborated findings from a comprehensive study on ethical media reporting of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases, survivor support services, and criminal justice procedures in Punjab.
Participants, including subject matter experts, civil society representatives, media professionals, lawyers, medico-legal practitioners, and government officials, have provided feedback and recommendations on the GBV study. Key topics are discussed included responsible media coverage, organizational coordination, family law components, and training for digital media workers. It has facilitated knowledge exchange and contributed to ongoing efforts to address GBV effectively in Punjab.
The consultation has also provided feedback on publications, such as the study of best practices for ethical media reporting, the directory of survivor support services, and legal provisions for GBV survivors. Experts have emphasized maintaining victim dignity, ethical treatment of survivors, stakeholder coordination, reliable information sources, and training for digital media workers.
Recommendations included disseminating laws in local languages, increasing budget allocation for Violence Against Women Centers (VAWC) and Darul-Amaans, developing SOPs for police-prosecutor cooperation, and avoiding victim-blaming language in media reporting. Other important topics discussed are the roles of domestic and home-based workers, a central platform for experts and activists, and reporting and redress mechanisms for cybercrimes. The insights shared during the consultation have enhanced the ongoing efforts to improve GBV response and ensure the well-being and safety of survivors in the region.
