In Nigeria, conversations about safe abortion are filtered through culture and often shrouded in secrecy. This allows powerful institutions, including the media, to reinforce stigma by framing lifesaving care, such as safe abortion, according to prevailing cultural norms. Inemesit Godwin, a media practitioner, once carried these values with him and believed the topic should not be discussed:
Before, we didn’t realise that the words we use on the radio can make someone feel ashamed or afraid to seek care… In Akwa Ibom, there is a strong belief that idiok nte owo akpaniko ke se enye se idem (a ‘good woman’ does not talk about such issues).
Because the media is one of the most trusted sources of information, engaging media stakeholders as advocates for sexual and reproductive health can help reduce abortion stigma and educate diverse audiences—promoting open conversations about safe abortion and contraception. Ipas Nigeria collaborated with Greater Women Initiative for Health and Rights to train media stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State, using tools such as Values Clarification for Action and Transformation to demystify safe abortion care.
After the training, Inemesit saw how his platform could contribute to stigma and shame through the words used on air. He also learned the importance of presenting the realities behind abortion care, including stigma, limited sexual health information, and barriers to accessing services. This understanding can encourage audiences to break the silence—recognizing that judgment and secrecy only worsen health outcomes for women and girls. This learning sparked Inemesit into quick action:
After the training, I kept asking myself and my colleague: if we now understand these issues better, how can we use our platform to make a difference? In Akwa Ibom, radio is very powerful. My colleague and I decided to create a space where we can talk openly but respectfully about these issues. That is how Truth and Rights started.
The Truth and Rights radio programme has helped dispel misinformation about sexual and reproductive health and rights that is often sustained by myths and fear. Listener responses indicate growing confidence and a greater willingness to engage in open conversations about safe abortion and contraception, rather than resorting to stigma and shame. The programme also uses local languages to ensure that remote communities are not left behind.
From the volume of calls, messages, and online engagement we receive, it is clear that the programme is reaching thousands of listeners and gradually influencing how people think and talk about reproductive health.
With advocates like Inemesit on media platforms, there are better opportunities for open conversations that break the silence around sexual and reproductive health and rights. This helps to create a future where women and girls can seek information, care, and support without stigma and shame.