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WACC-Africa calls for more reporting on peace and justice stories from a gender perspective |
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A Communiqué issued by the WACC Africa region, 16 March 2011 from Kigali, Rwanda.  | | We, the participants at the Media, Gender justice and peace building seminar organized by the World Association for Christian Communication, in Kigali, Rwanda from 14th-15th March 2011; - Realizing that media and the church play a crucial role in shaping the mindset of the people;
- Realizing that women participation in peace building has been under-represented in various media outlets;
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- Realizing the role of the church in conflict resolution given its prophetic role that is much recognized by the majority;
- Realizing that women are the most vulnerable group in conflict situations;
- Realizing the role of WACC in advocating for gender justice and reconciliation through communication;
- Cognizant that UN security council resolution 1325 and subsequent legal and policy frameworks uphold the imperative of women’s full and equal participation in peace and security efforts
Recommend the following:
To Communicators and Media Professionals - To strive to be objective and professional
- To increase their capacity to report peace and justice stories from a gender aware perspective
To Churches and Faith Based Organisations (FBOs): - To put in place media desks as reference point in regard to issues of justice
- To broaden their teachings beyond evangelism to include issues of peace and reconciliation
- To advocate for the enactment and enforcement of laws that protect women’s rights
- To present a common public front of unity in conflict resolution
- To involve experts in developing conflict resolution strategies from within and outside the church
- To highlight positive stories on reconciliation
As representatives of media, churches and faith based organizations we also commit ourselves through WACC- an international, ecumenical, professional organization that promotes communication Rights for social change - to implement and monitor the implementation of these recommendations.
To provide feedback to members on the success or otherwise of our efforts on a quarterly basis.
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WACC promotes communication as a basic human right, essential to people's dignity and community.
The World Association for Christian Communication is a UK Registered Charity (number 296073) and a Company registered in England and Wales (number 2082273) with its Registered Office at 71 Lambeth Walk, London SE11 6DX. It is an incorporated Charitable Organisation in Canada (number 83970 9524 RR0001) with its head office at 308 Main Street, Toronto ON, M4C 4X7.
