Mauritania: Journalists take a stand against gender-based violence

“When you’re out in the field with your phone and tripod, people often see you differently,” said Hawa Ba. “They ask, ‘Is it a woman? Is it a man? Please, tell us, are you a woman or a man?’”

Ba is a reporter in Mauritania for Initiatives News, an online website created in 2017 which focuses on human rights and social issues, and a member of the Mauritanian Journalists’ Network on Violence against Women and Girls.

The network, comprised of 40 journalists from both the press and broadcasting sectors, focuses on media coverage of gender-based violence (GBV) and challenges gender stereotypes. The network was established following a training course organized by UN Human Rights, which remains a key partner by supporting its concrete actions to promote quality information on gender-based violence and human rights in general. This support is provided through various projects and programs, including the Peacebuilding Fund, the UN’s primary instrument for investing in prevention and peacebuilding efforts.

Ba joined the Network in 2022 after completing the UN Human Rights training courses on human rights, gender-based violence, stereotypes and discrimination. Through her involvement, she has shared her experiences and exchanged best practices in journalism with her colleagues. During the 2023 local elections, with support from UN Human Rights, the network established media monitoring units to spotlight women's political participation.

“I’ve always worked on women’s rights,” Ba said. “These issues deeply resonate with me and are very close to my heart.”

Sparking a Conversation

Gender-based violence remains a pressing issue in Mauritania. According to data from the second Mauritania Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS), 10% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence since the age of 15, and 6% have suffered sexual violence. Alarmingly, 65% of them never sought help or disclosed their experiences.

Ba is currently working on a report about obstetric violence, a topic seldom discussed in the country. This is when she met Aminata Diarra, a midwife, activist and feminist who is also dedicated to this issue.

“Obstetric and gynaecological violence is a form of abuse experienced by women during pregnancy and childbirth,” Diarra said. “Women often fear going to hospitals, afraid of being insulted, mistreated, or subjected to medical procedures without their consent.”

Through her work, Ba is hoping her work will spark conversations and push societal boundaries.

“We need to talk about these issues,” Ba said. “It’s our duty to inform and contribute to changing attitudes.”