Mapping the nexus between media reporting of violence against girls

The media industry has an important sphere of influence on how people shape their gender norms. Research shows that news media reporting has a strong role in perpetuating discriminatory gender norms and stereotypes, as well as the normalization of violence. On the other hand, media reporting also has the potential to shed light on the root causes of violence against women and girls, promote positive social and gender norms, and help in risk mitigation through the provision of essential information to survivors/victims and those who wish to support them.

This report was developed jointly by UN Women and UNICEF to provide an overview of the landscape of global trends in media reporting on gender-based violence, map the existing evidence of the relationship between news media reporting of gender-based violence against girls and the normalization of violence, and showcase key existing frameworks and approaches that may help catalyze more gender-and-age sensitive reporting.

The “10 essentials for gender and age-sensitive media reporting of violence against girls” is a resource that lays down key principles and recommendations for journalists, editors, news media agencies, governments, and international organizations to ensure gender and age-sensitive reporting of violence against girls.