iWatch Africa, a non-profit media and policy organization committed to promoting transparency and accountability, has initiated a training session to equip media organizations with the tools to handle online abuse and harassment.
The program is designed to address the increasing online threats faced by journalists in Africa, particularly those covering sensitive social and political issues.
The rise of online harassment has become a pressing issue, with journalists receiving violent threats, including death threats and rape, particularly on social media platforms.
Women journalists and rights activists face additional challenges, as they are often targeted due to their gender.
Philip Banini, the initiative’s team lead, told Asaase News that the training’s primary objective is to empower newsrooms to educate their staff on handling both information and disinformation within the media landscape.
“This project is specifically aimed at helping newsrooms sensitize their employees about the nuances of information and disinformation in the media space,” Banini explained.
He highlighted the problem of misinformation during election periods, noting that inaccurate online content can lead to detrimental public decision-making.
“We’ve observed that during elections, there is a proliferation of inaccurate information online, which can mislead people and negatively impact their country,” Banini said.
Banini stressed journalists’ crucial role as intermediaries between society and politicians, underscoring the need for them to be well-equipped to provide reliable information to the public.
Doreen Raheena Sulleyman, another critical figure in the initiative, urged journalists, particularly women, to report any abuse they encounter.
“It is essential for journalists to report instances of abuse to their newsroom managers, editors, or general managers.
Every institution should have designated channels for reporting such issues, and it is crucial to follow the correct procedure,” Sulleyman advised.
The training session represents a significant step toward addressing the growing issue of online harassment and ensuring journalists can continue working in a safer and more supportive environment.
