“As we experience COVID-19 lockdowns and as the world comes to a pause, the media keeps us connected to our communities, to our loved ones and to the world,” says Losana Derenalagi, femLINKpacific’s Lautoka-based convenor.
As restrictions are put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19, the flow of information from a free and independent media is needed now more than ever.
“The COVID-19 crisis highlights even more the significant role of all forms of media – including community and citizen media – in the frontline battle against the virus,” says femLINK’s Executive Director, Susan Grey.
Bonita Qio, a vocal member of femLINK’s Rural Women Leaders Community Media Network, says that accurate and timely information is needed in order to ensure the safety of vulnerable communities.
“We need to know what this is (COVID-19) and what to do. The support that we will really need in a time like this is access to information and that is very important for us because information really makes a person prepare better.”
She says that when it comes to understanding safety during COVID-19 restrictions, more information is needed to end the stigma and discrimination of LGBT communities.
“There was this stigma that was associated with this virus because the first reported case, the first patient that had got the virus was a member of the LGBT community,” says Qio.
“We saw people screaming at us, telling us that we are the reason why the virus is here and this kind of social stigma really dampens your spirit because it doesn’t create this environment of cooperation.”
Reliable journalism – influenced and directed by media ethics – seeks to ensure the public remains informed to counter rumours and “fake news”. But it must also seek out accountability: in that while restrictions are in place, they must not be used to curtail freedom of the press in any way.
The press must remain free to report on the on-going pandemic and strategies to respond to COVID-19. But it must also take measures to ensure that communities are not harmed and when stories are told, the voices of the vulnerable and the showcase of their leadership must also be evident.
Guided by Section J (Women and the Media) of the Beijing Platform for Action along with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, femLINK’s team of community media workers are using radio to amplify the voices and recommendations of rural women leaders.
It's evident that access to reliable and efficient media resources can create healthier and safer communities, reduce vulnerabilities and help build the resilience communities need to navigate this pandemic and emerge better prepared in the future.
“Section J is about addressing gender inequality in the media – in and outside the newsroom,” says Sulueti Waqa femLINK’s Northern Network team leader.
Waqa adds that too often, women are portrayed as either victims of violence or only as recipients of assistance.
“They are not consulted when it comes to development or when it comes to making decisions that affect them,” she says.
“As a community media worker, it is a privilege that I cherish because I am able to bridge gender inequality gap by amplifying and advocating for the voices of women of all diversities in our communities,” shares Derenalagi, who manages close to 50 network members in the Nadi-Lautoka districts.
Waqa concludes: “This is why community media exists: so women can utilize community media as a platform to voice their concerns and share recommendations. It’s about amplifying these women as leaders.”