Inter Press Service (IPS) Africa has launched a new handbook for reporters to support sustained media coverage of gender-based violence beyond 16 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children.

Reporting Gender-based Violence was officially launched during a conference in Rome on Millennium Development Goal Three (MDG3) and the role of the media. MDG3 is to “Promote gender equality and empower women”.

“IPS has long sought to support and strengthen informed reporting on gender across the world,” said Paula Fray, regional director IPS Africa.

Journalism, however, is a dynamic profession and the challenges are ever changing.

“Violence against women has presented particular challenges to the media...yet, the media has the potential to play a lead role in changing perceptions that, in turn, can help galvanise a movement for change,” Fray said.

The toolkit is published as part of IPS' Communicating for Change: Getting Voice, Visibility and Impact for Gender Equality programme funded by the Dutch government's MDG3 Fund.

The toolkit looks at various issues related to gender-based violence including religious and harmful traditional practices, domestic violence, sexual violence, femicide, sex work and trafficking, sexual harassment, armed conflicts, HIV and AIDS, child abuse, the role of men, the criminal justice system, as well as the costs of gender-based violence.

Reporters are guided by real stories illustrating how these issues and trends are treated editorially, tip boxes, discussion points, fact checks and additional resources. The toolkit is available in English and French.

Johannesburg-based organisations can pick up a hard copy of the toolkit from the IPS Africa offices in Dunkeld West and should contact Abdullah Vawda at avawda@ips.org for more information.