Participants in the three-day capacity building for journalists in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao actively participated in discussions on gender sensitivity in reporting. The capacity building aimed at equipping them with the necessary tools, especially the proper use of "gender and sex" in writing their news stories. (Photo: PIA Region 12)
COTABATO CITY (PIA) -- Journalists covering the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) should be gender sensitive in writing their news stories.
Prof. Rufa Cagoco-Guiam, a columnist for the online edition of the Inquirer, said journalists must know the proper or ethical use of “sex and gender” in their news reports in order to deliver fair and accurate information to the public.
“Make sure that when you invoke the non-binary tense like LGBTQ, there’s a reason for doing it, not just because you want to create sensational news writing,” she emphasized during the capacity building for journalists in BARMM organized by the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) from Feb. 19 to 21, in Davao City.
Cagoco-Guiam was one of the resource persons for the training funded by the British Embassy.
In a lecture presentation, she explained that journalists must be able to differentiate between sex and gender, as this may affect the accuracy of their stories.
Prof. Rufa Cagoco-Guiam, a columnist for the online edition of the Inquirer, emphasized the importance of gender sensitivity and gender justice in reporting as a means to create a non-sensational story. Cagoco-Guiam facilitated the session on gender-related safety issues in the cultural and religious context of the Bangsamoro region during the capacity building for journalists in BARMM. (Photo: PIA Region 12)
According to her, incorrect use of sex and gender in reporting may lead to the filing of cases by those who were offended by the “unethical” report.
“This is because you may create a very discriminatory conclusion without even finding out, and that becomes a serious injustice to the person you have attributed such a characteristic,” Cagoco-Guiam said, adding that all unusual identities not affiliated with “the rigid binary association of sex” are always subjected to ridicule.
To be gender-sensitive, Cagoco-Guiam pointed out five simple rules to follow. These include learning more about gender issues, keeping an open mind, knowing the law, standing up against harassment of any kind, and always being respectful.
“Being gender sensitive means to understand and give consideration to socio-cultural norms and discriminations,” said Cagoco-Guiam, as she underscored the importance of acknowledging the different rights, roles, and responsibilities of women and men in the community.
She also emphasized the importance of gender justice, which incorporates equity and equality for all gender identities.
Meanwhile, Cagoco-Guiam shared insights about gender roles in Muslim households as well as gender social relations and women’s rights in Islam.
She also discussed the appropriate behavior of journalists when it comes to gender-related safety issues in the cultural and religious context of BARMM.
Faydiyah Akmad (middle) received her certificate of participation from Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication Center Director Ann Lourdes Lopez (left) during the closing ceremonies of the capacity building for journalists in the Bangsamoro region. She also shared her views on gender-social relations and women’s rights from an Islamic perspective. Akmad pointed out the importance of "faithful intentions" to fuel gender justice among men and women. (Photo: PIA Region 12)
The professor also noted that when you are a female reporter and you are introduced to a high-level official in the BARMM, you should not extend your hand first to greet him, as she also emphasized the importance of dressing appropriately.
Male and female journalists covering the Bangsamoro region should wear simple and modest clothes, Cagoco-Guiam further stressed.
She conveyed that proper knowledge on gender justice, equality, and equity between men and women plays a pivotal role in how journalists make their stories and how they raise awareness about society.
“Mahalaga din ang respect at faithful intentions sa gender sensitivity. Sa pamamagitan nito ay nagkakaroon ng trust,” Faydiyah Akmad of the Bangsamoro Media Network and one of the participants in the training, on the other hand, said.
[Respect and faithful intentions are also important for gender sensitivity. Through this, trust is created.]
Akmad also highlighted the importance of recognizing the diverse needs of men and women and that these should be addressed with equality and equity. (SJDM - PIA Region 12)
