Ethical Reporting on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights: A Practical Handbook for Journalists in Eastern and Southern Africa.

The Reporting on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR): A Practical Guide for Journalists in East and Southern Africa is a comprehensive handbook designed to support journalists in producing accurate, ethical, and impactful reporting on SRHR. Grounded in regional realities, the guide recognizes the powerful role the media plays in shaping public understanding, influencing policy, and holding institutions accountable on issues that directly affect health, dignity, and human rights.The handbook outlines core principles for ethical SRHR reporting, including the commitment to “do no harm,” survivor‑centred and trauma‑informed approaches, informed consent, and rights‑based framing. It emphasises the importance of avoiding sensationalism, victim‑blaming language, and stigma, particularly when reporting on sensitive topics such as gender‑based violence, HIV, abortion, and adolescent health.Structured around thematic guidance, the guide provides practical tools for reporting on key SRHR issues, including youth inclusion, gender‑based violence, engaging men and boys, reporting on key populations, and the intersecting challenges of HIV, violence, and unintended pregnancy. It also offers clear advice on using data responsibly, reporting in humanitarian and emergency settings, and navigating legal, ethical, and safety risks — both offline and in digital spaces.Beyond highlighting problems, the handbook promotes solutions‑focused and accountability‑oriented journalism. It encourages reporters to examine policy commitments, budget allocations, service delivery gaps, and community‑led responses, helping shift coverage from isolated incidents to systemic analysis.Designed as a practical field reference, the guide includes checklists, sample story structures, terminology guidance, and a curated directory of data sources and regional frameworks. By applying the standards outlined in this handbook, journalists can strengthen public trust, reduce harm, amplify marginalized voices, and contribute to more informed, rights‑based discourse on SRHR across the region.