Journalists have been urged to take a leading role in exposing and tackling the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) among athletes, amid growing concerns over the safety and well-being of vulnerable groups.
Speaking during a media workshop in Iten, Media Council of Kenya Rift Valley Regional Coordinator Joseph Mecha said the media has a critical responsibility to highlight issues that place athletes at risk and champion measures aimed at preventing abuse.
Mecha said journalists should move beyond simply reporting incidents of gender-based violence and use their platforms to educate athletes, sports stakeholders and the wider public on prevention, reporting mechanisms and the need to protect survivors.
He noted that sustained media coverage can help bring hidden cases of abuse to light while encouraging institutions involved in athletics to strengthen safeguards for athletes.
“Journalists have a responsibility to highlight issues affecting the safety of athletes and promote measures that can help prevent abuse,” Mecha said.
The call for stronger action has also been echoed by Paul Masese of the Centre for Enhancing Democracy and Good Governance, who raised concern over the continued reporting of GBV cases in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
According to Masese, 66.9 percent of the reported GBV cases in the county are associated with sexual violence, a situation he said raises concerns over the protection of vulnerable groups.
The statistics have heightened calls for stakeholders, including the media, sports federations, government agencies and community organisations, to strengthen efforts to prevent gender-based violence and ensure survivors can access appropriate support and justice.
Masese urged stakeholders to take immediate and coordinated action to address the factors contributing to GBV, while encouraging communities to speak out against abuse.
With Elgeyo Marakwet widely recognised as a major athletics hub, stakeholders say protecting athletes from violence and exploitation remains essential to creating a safe sporting environment where athletes can pursue their careers without fear of abuse.
