“What sense will it make if I don’t defend the marginalized in my story for the sake of neutrality?”

For Paul, the time spent in the training of trainers on gender responsive reporting on Violence against women and girls was not in vain because he did not remain the same. He tells his story.

“I am so thankful to Uganda Media Women’s Association, UMWA, for the opportunity given to me to learn more about Violence Against Women and Girls and how to facilitate the related training sessions.

When I was a young boy, my parents used to argue almost every night. I could hear them quarrel all night and I found myself sleepy in class because I had spent the night in fear of what could happen to my mother, memories of what happened to my mother reemerged. I would think of jumping out of my bed to tell my parents to stop their endless fights but I feared of what could happen next. I wished I could do anything to stop the sound of their quarrels from reaching me, but all in vain. I often performed poorly in class because I could hardly concentrate in class

Now I know this was psychological violence for me. If at all my parents knew how it impacted my mental health, I would have enjoyed my childhood or even perform better in class. I count myself as a survivor of Gender based violence because I felt its consequences at a very young age.

This training meant a lot to me as an individual. Realizing that I can play a role in helping thousands of children and women that are going through the same violence.

From the training sessions, we looked at the power we have as the media to change things, setting the agenda and influencing the way society views things. So my resolute is to go out there and create awareness about the dangers of violence against women and girls. I shall definitely use the skills and tips I have been given in this training.

When my teachers used to ask me what made me lose concentration in class, I couldn’t tell them because they were hostile. They would even call me names which made other students laugh at me, but today I have learnt that victims or survivors need to be handled with care and empathy in order for them to open up. Perhaps my teacher would have understood my predicament if he had the patience. Having gotten knowledge to sharpen my interviewing skills, I know I will handle my sources with empathy in order to get their side of the story.

Having the privilege of working in an institution like Uganda media Women’s Association which is powerful in changing people’s social life I pledge to use the skills to continue advocating for a violence free community. The same way I wouldn’t want my son fail in class because of violence of any sort, is the same way I want to see other children enjoy their childhood in violence-free families.