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A New Article Has Just Been Published - Safe Storytelling Training Workshop for Women Journalists in Conflict Zones

Safe Storytelling Training Workshop for Women Journalists in Conflict Zones

Event Participants

On Monday, February 17, 2025, the Cameroon Network of Female Journalists Reporting Crises (CAMNFERJORC) successfully organized a **one-day capacity training workshop** for women journalists at Hotel Maroua Palace, Far North Cameroon.

The event, held under the theme **"Safe Storytelling Practices for Women Journalists in Conflict Zones: Ethical Interviewing Techniques for Reporting on Boko Haram Survivors and Victims,"** aimed to empower female journalists with the skills necessary to conduct ethical and sensitive reporting in crisis situations.

Ethical Interviewing Techniques with Hauwa Shaffii Nuhu

One of the key highlights of the workshop was a session by **Hauwa Shaffii Nuhu**, Managing Editor at HumAngle. Speaking via **Google Meet Teams**, she shared crucial insights on ethical interviewing techniques for journalists covering sensitive topics involving survivors of violence.

Nuhu emphasized the importance of prioritizing the emotional well-being of interviewees. She advised journalists to **pause or stop interviews** if they notice distress, such as a subject crying or feeling uncomfortable.

She also warned against **victim-blaming questions**, stating that journalists should never ask:

  • “What were you doing there at that time of the night?”
  • “Why were you dressed that way?”

Furthermore, she strongly discouraged the practice of *paying sources for interviews as the next journalist might not have money to do same , as it compromises journalistic integrity and the credibility of the stories being reported.

Training Session

Impact and Takeaways

The training session provided valuable knowledge to female journalists, equipping them with the necessary skills to report **safely and ethically** from conflict zones. By fostering **sensitivity, accuracy, and responsibility**, CAMNFERJOC, with the support of the **Human Rights Commission, Far North Region**, continues to strengthen ethical journalism in Cameroon.

Stay tuned for more updates on our upcoming workshops and events!