Journalists' Handbook on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Guidelines for Gender-sensitive Reporting

"The media is a critical ally in the movement to end FGM, playing a vital role in educating the public and lawmakers alike about FGM and framing it as a global issue." - Director of Programs, Equality Now

This set of handbooks for media professionals provides guidelines for reporting on female genital mutilation (FGM) in a gender sensitive, accurate, and constructive manner. Developed by Equality Now, an international women's rights organisation, the resource offers background information on FGM and practical and ethical guidelines that journalists can apply in their reportage on the issue.

As explained in the guides, "FGM is internationally recognized as a gross human rights violation, a form of violence against women and girls, and a manifestation of gender inequality and discrimination...Implementing and enforcing the law in many countries has been a challenge, with many countries failing to prosecute even a single FGM case successfully. The role of the media is therefore pivotal in increasing public understanding of social issues, shaping public discourse, and influencing the decisions of policy-makers. As such, media professionals - including journalists, editors, editors-in-chief, and photographers - all have a significant part to play in helping end FGM by shining a public spotlight and framing it as a human rights and child abuse issue that needs to be urgently addressed."

The guides make the point that FGM is a complex and emotive issue that can be challenging to report on. It requires a nuanced understanding of how best to educate and engage audiences, protect survivors and those at risk, and foster positive social change - and this is what the guides are designed to address.

The following content is covered across all three guides:

• Understanding FGM - discusses the types of FGM, the health consequences of FGM, the social and cultural motivations behind FGM, and the economic impact of FGM.
• Trends of FGM - covers cross-border FGM, the medicalisation of FGM, and FGM in humanitarian crises.
• International and Regional Frameworks that Address FGM - includes, for example, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women.
• National Frameworks that Address FGM - offers a brief outline of the national frameworks in place to address FGM (scope depends on the geographic focus on the guide).
• Reporting on FGM: The Critical Role of Media in Ending FGM - contains practical tips for journalists in accordance with best practices on reporting on FGM. These tips are guided by gender and human rights principles regarding the role of journalists in shaping opinions, influencing systemic change, amplifying survivor voices, and enhancing state accountability as society's watchdog. It also includes principles of ethical reporting and do's and don'ts of reporting on FGM, including photography.
• Resources - includes a glossary of terms and a reading list on FGM.