This is an opportunity provided by the Reporting LGBT+ Rights programme: Find out more

Marking Pride month for many countries around the world, Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF) is offering an online training course on Reporting LGBT+ Rights for African journalists working for English-language local media in sub-Saharan Africa.
Today, 70 countries around the world criminalise consensual same-sex activity or use laws to marginalise and persecute members of the LGBT+ community. Discrimination against LGBT+ people is often reinforced by laws, policies and practices that either fail to take LGBT+ needs into account or deliberately exclude them. The spread of COVID-19 and the ensuing strain on LGBT+ communities can further complicate efforts to achieve equal and fair treatment.
It is the job of the journalist to report on issues that matter. But when those issues are controversial or sensitive how easy is it to report without inflaming tensions further – or even compromising your own safety?
The intensive five-day workshop, taking place online from Monday, 22 June to Friday, 26 June 2020 will build the capacity of journalists to report on LGBT+ rights – covering relevant journalism skills, safety, helping journalists to present new viewpoints and promote discussion and support with developing specific stories.
Drawing on Reuters’ principles of accuracy, integrity and freedom from bias, the workshop will connect journalists with key experts and enable them to network with peers from different parts of Africa. It will involve a blend of lively interactive online sessions, expert briefings, discussions, practical writing exercises and simulations, to sustain a highly practical, engaging and relevant experience.

Participants will be encouraged to produce high-impact stories and to publish them in their local media outlets.

Format:
The group will meet each day for a live 90-minute video session with trainers and/or expert speakers to ask questions, share ideas, learn new skills and apply them, with post-session assignments due at the end of each day. An exclusive closed forum will be created for continued discussions about learnings and exchange of tips and interactions among the group. Each afternoon after the live sessions, journalists will have daily access to the trainers for mentoring on their stories.

Programme breakdown:

• Daily 90-minute live video sessions with trainers which includes guest speakers, presentations, Q&A, exercises and discussions
• Daily one-hour access to trainers for additional Q&A and mentoring
• Daily short assignments and activities

In addition to the 90-minute live session applicants should allow for a further one hour or so of self-paced work each day.
 

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be African nationals who are full-time journalists or regular contributors working for local or regional English-speaking media organisations based in sub-Saharan Africa.

They must have a minimum of two years’ professional experience, and have covered human rights and/or LGBT+ issues or have an interest in reporting on these topics.

Applicants must have access to a minimum internet speed of 1 MB/second. (You can check the speed of your device by logging from it on www.speedtest.net).

 

Meet Our Experts

When applying you will be asked to upload the following documents – please have them ready:
 

• 2 relevant work samples (maximum file size 5 MB). TV/Radio journalists can send in their scripts and a brief summary or links to online versions.

 

• A biography of up to 250 words outlining your career

If you have any difficulties applying, please email trfmedia@thomsonreuters.com