KAMPALA, Uganda —Journalists, child rights advocates, communication experts and youth voices will convene Friday for a Twitter Space discussion on how the media portrays children.
The online event, titled “Through the Media lens: How the Media covers Children,” aims to analyze current trends in reporting on children in Uganda and globally. Organizers say many narratives lack nuance, fail to respect children’s dignity or unintentionally reinforce stereotypes.
The discussion will cover common stereotypes, the ethics of visibility versus exploitation, the importance of informed consent, and how to amplify children’s own perspectives. Panelists will also explore training and support for journalists in child-sensitive reporting.
Scheduled for Friday, May 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. East Africa Time, the Twitter Space will feature researchers, NGO leaders, journalists and a child advocate.
Organizers plan to share findings from a survey on print media coverage of children and foster a community of practice among media professionals, advocates and policymakers.
The event will be moderated by Hadijah Mwanje, a journalist and founder of High Sound for children. Panelists include Ivan Ssenabulya, a researcher and communications specialist at HSC; Damon Wamara, executive director of the Uganda Child Rights NGO Network; Ali Kiggundu, a child advocate; Patricia Osman, news editor at Capital FM; and Juma Kiirya, a journalist at NTV.
Partnerships with media houses and civil society organizations are helping to promote the event. Key takeaways will be shared in a post-event report.
