Ipas Bolivia, with support from Sweden, promotes human rights-based journalistic coverage of sexual violence

Feb 17, 2025 | Ipas in Action

More than 20 journalists participated in the workshop “Sexual violence and its consequences. A new and urgent journalistic approach,” held February 13-14 in La Paz. The initiative was promoted by Ipas Bolivia, in partnership with the Foundation for Journalism and the support of the Swedish Embassy, with the objective of strengthening the capacities of journalists in the coverage of sexual and gender-based violence. This training reaffirms the commitment of these institutions to promote ethical journalism with a human rights perspective, contributing to the visibility and prevention of this problem in the country.

“In my work as a journalist in television and radio in the communities, there is a great need to address this problem adequately and to provide the population with the accurate information they need. It is our duty to continue learning in order to improve our work,” said Sonia Quispe, F10 journalist.

During the two-day workshop, fundamental aspects for the adequate treatment of cases of sexual violence in the media were addressed. The thematic axes included sexual violence from the health, legal and public policy approaches, the regulatory framework for the legal interruption of pregnancy, and the application of a gender approach in journalistic work.

The workshop was attended by specialists in sexual and reproductive health, legislation and inclusive journalism with a focus on gender and human rights. Among the trainers were Dr. Henry Flores, health coordinator for Ipas Bolivia, Dr. Martín Vidaurre, policy coordinator for Ipas Bolivia, and Amparo Canedo, journalist and director of Guardiana.

The two days of training concluded with the expectation that these workshops will continue to be replicated, but with a broader scope and involving editors and press officers. Their participation is key to ensure a comprehensive and responsible approach to sexual violence in the media.