Africa

34 African Journalists trained as disability and Inclusion reporting fellows

Media has the power to shape perception of the society about anything. Its framing, whether international or not, will go a long way in affecting either negatively or not how the society treats or accept the entity.

A number of African journalists (34 in all) from different media houses across Africa have been selected as Centre for Disability and Inclusion Africa to be trained on professional ways to report. This initiative was inaugurated after a survey that revealed capacity gaps of journalists in this specialized reporting. This project was done in collaboration with Africa Foundation for Young Media Professionals,

These journalists were selected after a rigorous call for application and shortlisting process that lasted for about three weeks.   These fellows will go through hybrid training and mentorship sessions as well as story writing and news gatherings ethics around Disability and inclusion reporting son they can all add value to this crucial beat that is missing in many of the newsrooms.

Some of the journalists selected

Disability and inclusion reporting, raising the voices of the marginalized in the society is funded by Africa Foundation for Young Media professionals with support from MacArthur Foundation through CMEDIA Project led by WOle Soyinjka Centre for Investigative Journalism

Since there is no justice or inclusive society without diversity, it has become important for the media not to leave behind over a billion humans with disabilities around the world. Today we found out that the media is not given attention to disability and inclusion issues. The problem is, most media houses do not have data to write great story or do not understand the urgency associated with leaving this huge population behind.”” Yinka Olaito, Executive director of Africa Foundation for Young Media Professionals said in his release.

Yinka Olaito leading a session during the training

“Africa Has its own larger share of these one Billion People so there is an urgent need for the media to be empowered to do its job in this area. This has created a need for African journalists to rise up to this challenge and someone must stand up to equip them for ethical professional coverage of this. Hence the institution of this fellowship.

The beneficiaries of this six months’ fellowship are from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo etc

The training which used hybrid method held in Ibadan and Abuja Nigeria.

Watch media coverage of the event here

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Media and disability issues in Nigeria? Stop ticking the box only

In the ever-changing world of media, the undeniable ability to mould perceptions and attitudes is evident. Nigeria, country rich in cultural diversity, grapples with an important issue that necessitates a shift in thinking: the portrayal of physically challenged individuals in the media.

For a significant period, the media in Nigeria has depicted physically challenged individuals in a narrow and biased manner. The current narrative has spread stereotypes, presenting these individuals as objects of pity or inspiration, rather than recognizing their full range of abilities and potential. These portrayals have reinforced negative perceptions and biases, making it difficult for people with disabilities to be seen as capable, independent individuals.

At times, the media has underrepresented physically challenged individuals, effectively rendering them invisible in society. This lack of representation has contributed to a lack of awareness and understanding about the challenges faced by these individuals.

What then must be done? Journalists, filmmakers, and content creators must challenge preconceived notions and move beyond superficial portrayals. The stories of physically challenged individuals are complex, comprising achievements, struggles, aspirations, and ordinary moments that reflect the experiences of everyone else. By authentically presenting these stories, the media can break down stereotypes and foster understanding.

Nigerian media, including television, film, print, and digital platforms, holds significant influence. This influence can be harnessed to bring about a change in societal attitudes towards the physically challenged community.

How can Nigeria media bring a change in the disability and inclusion race

1-Media representation must mould public perception. Media must empower the physically challenged community itself. Seeing people who look like them, face similar challenges, and achieve success can instil pride and a sense of possibility. Media becomes a means of inspiring others and cultivating a sense of community among those who have felt marginalized.

2- Stop doing the basic: Media outlets must not only be featuring individuals with disabilities merely to check a diversity box. Authentic representation requires collaboration with the physically challenged community, involving them in decision-making processes, and ensuring that their narratives are told with accuracy and dignity.

3-Share memorable experience: Also, with Social media has emerged as a democratizing force in the fight for accurate representation. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube have allowed physically challenged individuals to share their own stories, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers. Hashtags and viral challenges have sparked conversations, connecting individuals with shared experiences and promoting a more accurate understanding of their lives. However, more effort is needed to make these platforms inclusive enough for a wider section of the physically challenged community to gain access.

Reshape societal perception:  the media landscape in Nigeria is undergoing a transformation in its depiction of physically challenged individuals. By harnessing the power of media, Nigeria can reshape societal perceptions, empower the physically challenged community, and foster a more inclusive and compassionate society.

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