Women in Media Development (WIMDeV) trains over 25 Journalists in Value Clarification and Attitude Transformation in Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR).
The objectives of Value Clarification and Attitude Transformation (VCAT) training for journalists are aimed at fostering ethical decision-making, enhancing professionalism, and promoting responsible journalism.

The VCAT training addressed common misconceptions and stigmas surrounding SRHR issues, including abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. Journalists are equipped with strategies to counteract these misconceptions through factual and unbiased reporting.

In various group discussions, participants explored ways to report on SRHR topics without compromising cultural or religious beliefs. One group, led by Jeremiah Mulbah, emphasized the importance of respecting cultural and religious values while raising awareness about SRHR. Mulbah noted, “The safest way to report on SRHR effectively is to respect cultural and religious beliefs and to create more awareness on these crucial topics.”

The lead facilitator provided comprehensive definitions and insights into key SRHR concepts:

•Sexual Health: Refers to a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It includes aspects such as sexual rights, sexual pleasure, and freedom from sexual violence.
•Reproductive Health**: Involves physical and mental well-being concerning the reproductive system and its processes. It encompasses access to reproductive health services, family planning, and the right to make reproductive decisions free from discrimination, coercion, and violence.
•Sexual Rights: These are human rights that involve the freedom to make choices about one’s sexual and reproductive life, free from discrimination, coercion, and violence. This includes the right to information, education, and healthcare related to sexuality and reproduction.

Their two-day training started at the D’Calabash in Monrovia on Tuesday, June 25, and is expected to  end on Wednesday, June 26.

WIMDeV’s training highlights the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding of SRHR and encourages journalists to report with sensitivity and integrity.