Adjumani, (UG):- The Forum for African Women Educationalists, (FAWE) Uganda chapter has built the capacity of 26 Journalists in the Madi sub-region to effectively report on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) of Adolescents.
The two-day training held at Hotel Dubai Resort in Adjumani Town attracted journalists from the districts of Adjumani, Moyo, and Obongi from the West Nile.
FAWE project officer Ms Asibazoyo Nancy applauded the journalists for the tremendous work they are doing to see that information on adolescents is disseminated to reach the entire population of Ma’di sub-region, nationally and internationally.
“This is a follow-up training on what we did last year to find out the efforts you have put up to bring to light issues of sexual Reproductive health rights of young people, we believe that working with the media will help to bring out the issues” Ms Asibazuyo noted.
Ms Tasia Doreen, a radio Journalist from Radio Pacis Moyo Branch appreciated the FAWE Uganda chapter for the training that has transformed and changed the lives of the young ones in the sub-region.
“The training has equipped me with the knowledge on effective reporting on sexual reproductive health and rights and also how to promote gender equality and combat stereotypes on sexual reproductive health as a journalist” Ms Tasia remarked.
Hon, Ondoa Korina the DLC representing Pakele Town Council and the Secretary for production and natural resources lauded the work done by FAWE-Uganda underscoring that this will go a long way in promoting education and promoting the rights of young people.
Ondoa commended the journalists in Ma’di sub-region for their tireless efforts exhibited towards reporting issues affecting the young ones, saying journalists should do reporting that will bring impact on the boys and girls in Ma’di sub-region.
“Let the training impact knowledge in your minds” She emphasized.
The Resident District Commissioner Adjumani, Mr Taban Peter Data, appreciated FAWE-Uganda Chapter for enhancing the skills of journalists which according to him will keep them on track while reporting on issues concerning the sexual reproductive Health and Rights in Ma’di sub region and the country at large.
“You need to take a very keen interest in reporting about sexual reproductive health and rights because it has gone unnoticed for a very long time being reported by journalists,” Mr Taban noted, adding; “Do thorough research before publishing your stories so that, the information you have packaged in your article will bring impact on the adolescents in the region.”
Mr. Lulu Henry Leku the Assistant District Health officer (ADHO) in -charge of Maternal Child Health (MCH) in Adjumani District extolled all the journalists from Ma’di sub-region for being such active and important stakeholders in advocating for the SRHR of children.
“Your reporting has changed the face of the health sector; people’s lives have been impacted positively,” says Henry.
On the other hand, Mr. David Livingstone Onen the Water Aid Project officer challenged the journalists to stick to the ethics and journalistic principles in order to bring more issues that have always gone uncovered.
He disclosed that as a way of appreciating and motivating journalists to do more work, the consortium organised an award ceremony to recognize the work of the best six journalists after the project period.
“The sexual reproductive health and rights have been a very big concern in Ma’di sub-region more particularly in Adjumani District where there are issues of teenage pregnancy and early Marriage,” Onen said.
Background
In 2023, Adjumani district health report indicated that cases of teenage pregnancy were high in the sub-counties of Ofua with 19.8%, Ukusijoni with 17.0%, Pakele sub county recorded 17.0% and Adropi with 16.0%
Sexual reproductive health and Rights (SRHR) according to the World Health Organization can be understood as the right for all, whether young or old, women, men, HIV positive or negative, to make choices regarding their own sexuality and reproduction, providing this respect the rights of others to bodily integrity.
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