Project description:

Invisible Pandemic is a transnational, collaborative and independent investigation that revealed the dimension of violence that women were experiencing during confinement. It covered 20 countries and was carried out from March to June 30, 2020, with the figures updated on July 22. It consists of a diagnosis on the situation of violence experienced by women in their homes during confinement. The data obtained in the study were based on consultations with official institutions, contrasted with the data offered by NGOs. The study has testimonies from victims who suffered violence in quarantine.

Impact reached:

Since its publication, the research has had a great positive response that has generated wide interest in organizations and other media in the world, who disseminated it, including in other languages, due to the findings that this collaborative work had and especially for the treatment given to the victims, survivors and relatives. 

Media such as the VOA of Turkey, Telemundo international, El Nuevo Herald, TVVNoticias and EVTV, in the United States; El Nacional and Tal Cual in Venezuela, in addition to other mentions that were made in reference such as on the DW website in Spanish, as well as other media in Bolivia, Mexico and Panama, to name a few, highlight the findings of this study. 

Likewise, the research had an important reception in civil organizations dedicated to dealing with gender issues that were interested in the results and that were even shared in NGOs in Cuba and in others even of a religious nature.

Techniques/technologies used:

In this research, we worked with databases and Excel tables to compare the different facts and figures on gender violence in each country. Snowball sampling was applied, which is used when potential participants are difficult to find or if the sample is limited to a very small subgroup of the population. The journalistic techniques used were the interview, both with public officials, leaders of non-governmental organizations, experts on gender issues and victims. The chronicle format was used to narrate the testimonies. Within the investigation we made illustrations and infographics that were made with Procreate Software, Photoshop S6. One of the key tools for this research was the use of video calling platforms, which allowed the organization of an online journalistic writing that was attended by the 36 participants of this report. Through Zoom, interviews were conducted with sources that were in different countries, using semi-structured questionnaires and recording each session to be able to go to the source again, if necessary. The Zoom platform also helped us for the training we received on gender issues.

What was the hardest part of this project?

The most difficult part of the project was access to official data because most governments do not have official figures or they are out of date. It was also a challenge to conduct an investigation without any financial resources, that is, none of the people who participated received remuneration for their contribution, but there was still commitment and dedication. 

In addition, it was a challenge to set up a virtual newsroom to organize the data from all the countries and concentrate them for collation, editing, design and publication.

What can others learn from this project?

From this project, our fellow journalists can learn that it is possible to carry out a transnational and large-scale investigation even without financial resources and that the commitment of those involved is key to carry out an in-depth report that involves the review of official documents, interviews and management of sensitive information. Participants in this investigation took gender journalism workshops to learn how to approach victims. They can learn that preparation is key in any journalistic project. In our case, we received workshops to know how to write about gender violence issues.This work can be an example to delve into the topic of violence, to know what types of sources exist and it can be a starting point to delve into human rights issues.

Project links:

pandemiainvisible.lalupa.press (This link has a plugin so you can read it completely in English)