By Sheila Wafula
As I scroll through social media, I am drawn to one user’s sentiments, “the only reason femicide is trending right now is because the victims in question were somewhat famous.” I cannot help but imagine the situation of marginalized and vulnerable groups whose stories frequently go untold. While the media diligently reports on cases of gender-based violence, there exists a glaring gap in coverage, leaving certain victims voiceless and their stories unheard.
Njeri Migwi founder of Usikimye, a safe house for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence echoes my thoughts. In an interview, she talks about how the true magnitude of the crisis remains unknown because many cases go undocumented.
However, amid sensationalized headlines and this news cycle, the experiences of marginalized women, are often relegated to the sidelines. When the media fails to amplify the voices of all victims, it perpetuates a cycle of invisibility. It reinforces existing power dynamics that prioritize certain lives over others, perpetuating systemic inequalities and hindering efforts toward meaningful social change.
Inclusive reporting in femicide cases is not merely a matter of journalistic integrity; it is a moral obligation and a fundamental component of justice. It requires an intentional shift in perspective and a commitment to amplifying the voices of those who have been historically marginalized and silenced.
Journalists and media organizations must strive to adopt a more intersectional approach to reporting on femicide, one that recognizes that marginalized women are equally affected by this issue. This necessitates engaging with diverse communities, the inclusion of marginalized voices, and challenging prevailing narratives that perpetuate harm and inequality.
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