As part of WIMDeV broader initiative to enhance media coverage of sexual and reproductive health and rights issues in Liberia, WIMDev trains journalists in Monrovia. The capacity building training which focused on Value Clarification and Attitude Transformation amongst journalists, brought together 25 journalists in Montserrado County.
The Value Clarification and Attitude Transformation (VCAT) concentrating on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) which aimed to empower journalists, encourage ethical newsroom decision-making, enhance professional standards, and promote responsible journalism in SRHR contexts, delved into dispelling widespread misconceptions and stigmas related to SRHR, including discrimination.
Madam Siatta Scott Johnson the lead facilitator said the media play a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing policy decisions therefore building journalists’ capacity on sexual and reproductive health and rights can be incredibly impactful stating that the workshop aims to create a supportive environment where journalists can discuss their experiences and develop strategies to overcome these obstacles.
Madam Johnson urged the participating journalists to fully engage with the training, emphasizing its significance.
“Your role as journalists is pivotal in shaping public perception and understanding of SRHR. This training is not just an opportunity but a responsibility to enhance your reporting skills and contribute positively to public discourse.”
She noted that the training also features interactive sessions with experts in the field of sexual and reproductive health, providing journalists with firsthand knowledge and resources to improve their reportage.
“The training will empower journalists to report more accurately and sensitively on SRHR issues,” stated Madam Johnson. “This is crucial in a society where misinformation and cultural biases often hinder effective communication about sexual and reproductive health.”
At the three days hands on training, journalists did not only discuss ethical dilemmas in SRHR reporting, comprehending the issues around SRHR, and emphasizing the importance of understanding the public health law when reporting on SRHR, demonstrating awareness and empathy but designed strategies to counteract perception misconceptions with factual and unbiased reporting.
Siatta Scott Johnson, who is also the Executive Director of WIMDeV maintained that the training aims to equip participants with the tools to challenge biases and stereotypes, ensuring their reporting are fair, inclusive, and informative.
“These challenges include societal taboos, limited access to accurate information, and potential backlash from communities”. She noted
These sessions, according to her, are expected to foster a deeper understanding of SRHR, allowing journalists to convey complex issues more clearly and effectively to their audiences. She furthered that workshop will also create a network of informed and skilled journalists who can contribute to a more informed and progressive discussion on SRHR in Liberia.
According to the facilitators, through a thoughtful and responsible media coverage, discussions about sexual and reproductive health can help destigmatize topics around sexual and reproductive health and promote a more open and inclusive dialogue. Adding that the media can contribute to normalizing conversations about sexuality, reproductive choices, and diverse family by presenting stories and information in a non-judgmental and respectful manner.
The three days engagement was facilitated by Madam Salome Tulay of the Community Health Initiative, Madam Hawa C. Wilso from the Paramount Young Women Initiative and the organizer Women in Media Development.
On July 21, 2022, the House of Representatives’ Plenary passed the Revised Public Health Bill on recommendations from the joint committee on Health and Judiciary, and forwarded it to the Senate for concurrence to enact it into law.
The Bill contains a range of other public health elements, however some senators after viewing the instrument said the potion under “(Title 26 – Liberian Code of Laws Revised, Chapter 16) which stipulates that abortion up to 24 weeks gestation (approximately 6 months of pregnancy) should be permitted and must be conducted by a medical doctor.” should be removed entirely to ensure the passage of the remaining laws.
In Liberia, the legal framework surrounding sexual and reproductive health rights is influenced by both national laws and international conventions. Though the Constitution of Liberia guarantees the right to health, which encompasses access to healthcare services, including reproductive health services but challenges persist in ensuring these rights are fully realized due to factors such as access to health care, limited healthcare infrastructure, cultural norms, and socio-economic disparities.
A 2023 report from the Ministry of Health disclosed that “approximately 38,779 induced abortions occurred in Liberia in 2021. This equates to an induced abortion rate of 30.7 per 1,000 women of reproductive age and an induced abortion ratio of 229 abortions per 1,000 live births.”
Tragically, many teenagers have lost their lives due to the illegality of abortion, as a result of using dangerous methods which has led CSOs and citizens to exert significant pressure on the Liberian Senate to pass the Revised Public Health Bill That aims to establish affordable and accessible sexual and reproductive health services in Liberia but has not yet been enacted into law.
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