Call for stories on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights

Synopsis

Gender Links (GL) in its capacity as secretariat for the SADC Gender Protocol Alliance is calling for stories to be published as part of its the Sixteen Days of Activism news series. GL will pay $100 for innovative and in-depth stories in print, radio or video that can be uploaded online.

Key dates

GL is looking for stories that focus on the following areas:

• Gender Based Violence
• Child marriages
• HIV and AIDS
• Adolescent SRHR
• Sexual diversity
• Media, and ICTs
• Safe abortion
• Economic Justice

Process

Phase One: Pitching your story idea

• Please pitch your story idea capturing the essence of your proposed story by filling this form https://genderlinks.org.za/contribute/.
• Submit your pitch by Monday 30 November
• Your pitch should answer the five W’s and H – Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How?
• Your pitch should indicate whether it is print/online, television or a radio story
• Your pitch should indicate the theme your story will focus on as per the themes above.
• This pitch will be received by the editor for review on a rolling basis.
• For those accepted you will receive a response for your pitch, with an explanation and or suggestions. This will include the deadline for submitting your story.
• If accepted, you should then compile the story.

Phase Two: Submitting your full article

• Compile and submit your story within the given time frame.
• Submit your article on the full submission form which can be found here
• Your articles should be at least 1000 words -1800 words.
• Upload your full story, a captioned high resolution photo, and for broadcast stories upload the radio and video clips and an accompanying picture. Your photo should be in landscape layout.
• Please also tick the editorial sign off section in the full story submission form.  Click here to review GL editorial guidelines.
• Click here to view photo guidelines.
• All stories will be published in November –December  2020.
• Once the story has been received for publication and published GL will effect payment and indicate that this has been done. Click here to view the bank details that will be required and please have these ready.
• Journalists will receive a $100 honorarium for stories published.

Criteria for gender sensitive SRHR reporting

• Gender balance of sources: For the media to produce coverage that is complete and diverse, it is critical that the news reflects the world as seen through the eyes of women as well as men and other genders.
• Agents of change: Journalists can help to change attitudes by portraying women as they really are rather than re-enforcing gender-based stereotypes.
• Gender balance is good journalism: Professionalism journalism demand that all voices and perspectives are covered.
• Language is value ridden: Language is key, do not use male descriptors to describe all people. Describe the differential impact on all the relevant groups.
• Data disaggregation: Breakdown data so that there is a perspective on how the issue affects everyone not just one homogenous group.
• Fairness: Ensure that all views are included and treated with equal weight.
• Challenge stereotypes: Focus on women’s views not their appearance or their perceived gender roles such as being wives and mothers.
• Accountability: Hold stakeholders accountable for their actions or lack of action.
• Research: Thoroughly research your subject, ensure accuracy and clarity. Sift out what is fact and opinion.

 Examples of SRHR stories

Background

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign that takes place annually from the 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day. The 2020 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence occurs in the shadows of COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted increased economic insecurity, unemployment, food shortages, school closures and increased forms of violence against women and girls.

The global theme for the campaign in 2020 is “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!” The theme builds from the UN Inter-Agency Statement on Violence Against Women and Girls in the context of COVID-19.

The theme includes the following key areas:

Fund; Prevent; Respond; Collect  Read more…