Stop violence, The Mirror

Trainer’s Notes: The editorial lacks depth.The use of language is also problematic, referring to women who are subject to violence as “poor  souls.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

1. The editorial can be used to stimulate a discussion on the links between gender based violence and HIV – gender based violence makes women more vulnerable to the transmission of HIV and it reduces their ability to protect themselves from infection.  It also increased the impact of HIV on women who are already traumatised and vulnerable. 

2. Consider the use of language in the editorial and what message it sends out about women who are subject to some form of violence (they are weak, they must be protected by someone, they are victims) and how this language, however well intentioned, contributes to stereotypes of women that are harmful.

 

1. List language that does not stereotype women but still conveys strong opinions against abuse.  

Links to Training Resources:  Gender and HIV/AIDS: A Training Manual for Southern African Media and Communicators, Gender Links and the AIDS Law Project, Chapter 4, www.genderlinks.org.za/docs/training/hiv-training-manual/hiv-ch4.pdf  and Chapter 6 www.genderlinks.org.za/docs/training/hiv-training-manual/hiv-ch6.pdf
Gender Justice Barometer 2004.pages80-87
Finding Gender in MDGs. Chapter 2
“16 For Life” Campaign 
 I Stories 2007