Lesson three: Reading – Case Studies on Ethical Storytelling
Ethical storytelling is a powerful tool for justice, capable of protecting survivors, educating the public, encouraging responsible media coverage, and strengthening advocacy efforts. When used correctly, it can shape public opinion, push for policy reforms, and create lasting change. But when handled carelessly, it can cause harm, retraumatize survivors, and reinforce harmful stereotypes. In Nigeria, media portrayals of grooming and gender-based violence have varied widely, with some stories bringing much-needed awareness and others sensationalizing trauma for profit. The way these stories are told matters. Survivors deserve dignity, and the public deserves accurate, responsible reporting that drives solutions rather than fear or misinformation.
By examining real-world case studies, we can identify the difference between ethical and harmful storytelling. These cases highlight both the successes and failures of media coverage, offering critical lessons for advocates, journalists, and policymakers. The goal is to ensure that every story shared contributes to awareness, prevention, and meaningful action.
Case Study 1: The #SayNoToRape Campaign – Ethical Storytelling Done Right
The #SayNoToRape campaign, launched by WARDC (Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre), exemplifies ethical storytelling in action. Seeking to raise awareness about sexual violence and advocate for stronger legal protections, the campaign utilized survivor stories, expert interviews, and social media advocacy. Crucially, it prioritized a survivor-centered approach, sharing testimonies with consent and protecting identities through pseudonyms. The campaign’s focus extended beyond narrating traumatic events, highlighting legal reforms and public education initiatives aimed at prevention. This focus on systemic change, coupled with balanced media coverage that avoided sensationalist headlines and focused on solutions-driven storytelling, contributed to the campaign’s success. The #SayNoToRape campaign gained widespread engagement, influencing public discourse and policy debates on gender-based violence (GBV). Ultimately, advocates successfully lobbied for stronger penalties for sexual offenses under Nigerian law, demonstrating the power of ethical storytelling to drive tangible change.
Case Study 2: The Mishandling of a High-Profile Grooming Case in Nigeria
Contrastingly, the 2021 coverage of a high-profile grooming case in Nigeria serves as a cautionary tale. While the media attention brought the abuse to light, the reporting raised serious ethical concerns. Revealing victim identities, sensationalizing the accused’s celebrity status rather than focusing on the survivors’ experiences, and implying consent where none existed had devastating consequences. Survivors faced public backlash, discouraging others from coming forward, and the case’s momentum within the legal system was hampered by the media sensationalism. This case underscores the dangers of unethical reporting and its potential to re-victimize survivors and obstruct justice. It also highlights the critical need for media outlets to prioritize ethical considerations and responsible reporting practices. Source: https://paradigmhq.org/report/online-violence-against-women-in-nigeria-during-covid-19/
Case Study 3: A Community-Led Media Initiative on Grooming Awareness
A community-led media initiative in Northern Nigeria offers another example of effective and ethical storytelling. A coalition of youth advocates partnered with local journalists to create radio programs educating families on the risks of online grooming. The program featured expert discussions, anonymized survivor stories, and community call-in segments, fostering public dialogue on prevention. The program’s effectiveness stemmed from its culturally sensitive reporting, adapting content to local languages and norms, and its focus on education rather than fear-mongering. Collaboration with law enforcement ensured the accuracy of information shared. As a result, the program reached thousands of listeners, increasing awareness of online grooming tactics and prompting schools and community leaders to integrate these discussions into local education programs.
Key Takeaways:
These case studies highlight several key lessons. Survivor protection is non-negotiable. Media reports and advocacy campaigns must never expose survivor identities without their explicit consent. Sensationalism should be avoided at all costs. Advocacy should focus on education, justice, and systemic change rather than exploiting a case for public outrage or increased viewership. Cultural sensitivity is paramount. Effective storytelling adapts to local values, languages, and norms to resonate with the intended audience. Public awareness campaigns should inspire action, proposing concrete solutions, such as legal reforms or community-based prevention strategies. Finally, collaboration strengthens impact. Partnerships between advocates, journalists, educators, and policymakers are essential for creating sustainable change.
As we move forward, remember, Media is one of the most powerful tools for change. But without ethical responsibility, it can also be a weapon of harm.
Thank you for your dedication to responsible advocacy. See you in our next module!