PESHAWAR, Sept 20: The participants of a workshop here on Thursday urged journalists to maintain objectivity and keep gender sensitivity in mind while filing reports.

The workshop ‘Nationwide journalists’ engagement programme’ was arranged by White Ribbon Campaign Pakistan (WRCP) at Peshawar Press Club. During the day-long workshop, the participants focused on code of ethics for gender sensitive reporting to implement certain principles and avoid stigmatising of violence-hit women in the country.

They discussed different aspects of the news stories, photographs, features, and movies, saying that it was duty of journalists to avoid sensationalism and base their reports on facts.

They said that names of the victims, particularly women and children, should not be mentioned in news reports to save their future.

Speaking at the concluding session, WRCP chief executive officer Omer Aftab said that the code of ethics for gender sensitive reporting was developed earlier this year after consultation with over 150 senior journalists across the country. They agreed to apply the guidelines in both print and electronic media, he added.

The code encompasses basic principles of media ethics, mainstreaming of gender in media coverage, accountability, impartiality and gender stereotyping.

White Ribbon also announced media awards for best gender reporting in different categories of print and electronic media. The participants were also awarded certificates on the occasion.