December 07, 2020 (232News)
FREETOWN – The People’s Alliance for Reproductive Health Advocacy (PARHA) has engaged media practitioners on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) reporting.
The engagement took place on Thursday 3rd December, 2020 at YMCA conference hall Fort Street, Freetown.
The People’s Alliance for Reproductive Health Advocacy (PARHA) Coalition with support from the Amplify Change invited journalists to a one day awareness raising and knowledge building session on a proposed “safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health (SMRH) Legislation.
Giving a brief overview of the day’s exercise, George Mustapha said PARHA is a Coalition of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Advocates in Sierra Leone. The membership ranges from among NGOs, CSOs, Faith Leaders, CBOs, Community-Based Groups (CBGs), Trade Unions, Professional Bodies and individuals working around SRHR issues in the country.
He said PARHA was established in 2017 and it exists to influence SRH&Rs policies in Sierra Leone through constructive engagement, dialogue and partnership.
Since its establishment, the coalition has held several multi-stakeholder consultations at national, regional and district levels within the country to raise awareness and build citizens’ knowledge on the status of SRHR issues affecting the nation.
George Mustapha went on to say they respect the role the media is playing as they are key stakeholders in the drive towards contributing to the Sierra Leone’s development agenda.
He further stated that the coalition comprises of 50 CSOs and international NGOs that is why they have advocated for sexual reproductive right issues.
“The right and dignity of women can be protected / respected. We can’t do that if we don’t have a frank conversation with the media.”
He spoke about the extensive engagement they have with the Inter Religious Council, Parliamentarians among other sectors across the country.
According to him, lack of information is also a very serious problem and the right to life is the fourth human right according to the United Nations.
Topic like sexual reproductive health and rights was presented by Fodie P.O.Kamara, while Theresa Ojong and Suafiatu Tunis presented VCAT exercise – how would you report on the issue and the role of the media in SRHR advocacy was done by Fodie P.O.Kamara.
