Media professionals discuss amplifying diverse voices in SRHR reporting

Health Development Initiative (HDI-Rwanda) has hosted a two-day training, designed to equip journalists with the tools to adopt an intersectional approach in their reporting, particularly regarding the barriers young people face in accessing sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) information and services. The Project Manager at VSO, Bony Mukombozi, opened the training, highlighting the importance of intersectionality in journalism, stressing that it is essential for a more inclusive approach to SRHR reporting. He urged journalists to dig deeper and ensure that their stories reflect the multifaceted realities faced by young people with compounded vulnerabilities. In our reporting on SRHR, we must go beyond surface-level narratives. Understanding the intersection of various identities and experiences allows us to capture the full picture of young people's realities and advocate for the inclusive changes they need, he said. During this media engagement, the participants explored how multiple factors—such as gender, economic status, rural vs. urban divide, disability, cultural norms, and stigma—intersect to create unique challenges for young people seeking SRHR information and services. The Project Coordinator of the Make Way Program at HDI-Rwanda, Dr Mickel-Ange Karamage, explained that using an intersectional approach to reporting helps media practitioners highlight the multiple, interconnected challenges individuals experience, deepening the impact of their stories and ensuring that these voices are fully represented. “For example, someone with a disability, who is also HIV positive and living in poverty experiences multiple, overlapping challenges,” Karamage said. “To address their needs effectively, we must consider all these factors rather than focusing on just one area. This approach is at the heart of the Make Way and HDI-Rwanda programmes.” Rwanda's FP2030 commitments During the training, the participants also had an opportunity to discuss Rwanda's Family Planning 2030 (FP2030) commitments, introducing participants to the nation's goals for advancing family planning and ensuring universal access to contraceptives and SRHR services. ALSO READ:https://hdi-awards-nine-journalists-for-reproductive-health-coverage FP2030 is a global movement that seeks to continue efforts to expand access to voluntary family planning services around the world, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The Head of the Family Planning Programme at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), Joel Serucaca, outlined Rwanda's five key family planning goals for 2030. He stressed the need to raise public awareness and foster engagement in the program. Serucuca supported the journalists to explore Rwanda's FP2030 key commitments, including increasing access to modern contraceptives, reducing unmet needs, and ensuring that vulnerable populations—especially women and young people—are at the forefront of this progress. Participants discussed the role of the media in advocating for these commitments and the importance of using intersectional approaches to amplify diverse voices and experiences in the conversation around SRHR. “Journalists play a pivotal role in this process. Your accuracy when reporting can significantly influence public participation. It’s essential to focus on real numbers and concrete actions that benefit the population,” Serucaca said. Serucaca also discussed the importance of expanding family planning methods to offer women and individuals more choices. “Rwanda’s Contraceptive Prevalence Rate is currently at 64 per cent. Our goal is reaching 65 per cent by 2030 but to achieve this, we will need collaboration from all stakeholders including the media,” he added. Empowering journalists for better reporting Diane Nikuze Nkusi, a journalist at Umuringa News, emphasised the valuable insights gained from the training regarding journalists' role in promoting family planning awareness. She pointed out that misinformation can create significant confusion in both rural and urban communities, leading to the perpetuation of myths around family planning. “I’ve encountered numerous situations where the public seeks family planning information from healthcare providers, yet the responses they receive are often vague and confusing. While it's crucial for journalists to have accurate information, healthcare providers also need such training so that they can communicate more clearly about contraceptive options, particularly in addressing prevalent myths surrounding birth control and infertility,” she said. ALSO READ: Media professionals trained on adolescent SRHR, patient rights Unbiased reporting Aimee Gerrard Ufitinema, another participant, commended HDI for organising the training. He emphasised how the training had equipped him with essential skills for reporting on SRHR, particularly in understanding the diverse backgrounds of individuals when covering sensitive health topics. “The insights I gained will improve my work. I’ve learned to approach stories with empathy, especially when covering cases like a teenage girl with a disability from a low-income family. It’s important to highlight the unique challenges in each case,” he said. Ufitinema also mentioned a shift in his reporting style, acknowledging the importance of unbiased reporting in SRHR coverage. “In the past, my reporting was more general. Now, I’m more conscious of including marginalised voices in my stories,” he added. Challenges The participants raised challenges that frustrate their balanced reporting including gaps in comprehensive data, which hinder media practitioners' ability to report accurately on the real challenges these young people face. They also pointed out the delicate balance between the demand for in-depth investigative reporting and the rise of clickbait-driven journalism. The group also discussed the financial constraints faced by many media organisations, which limit resources for thorough research, travel, and interviews, pushing them to favor quicker, cheaper content instead.