Ethical External Communication
Module progress: 4/6 completed
Our words and images have power. The way we communicate about women with migrant background — through photos, social media, interviews, or reports — can open doors for inclusion and understanding. But if we are not careful, it can also cause harm or embarrassment, even when our intentions are good.
We hold a shared responsibility to protect their privacy, dignity, and safety.
“A safe story is a respectful story — one that belongs to the person who lived it.”
This part of the course helps mentors understand the safeguarding principles that apply to external communications. Through examples, checklists, and reflections, you will learn how to share stories safely, ethically and respectfully; obtain informed consent, and ensure that public materials empower — not expose — the people you support.
Why safeguarding matters in communication
Safeguarding is not only about keeping participants safe during activities — it also extends to how we represent them publicly. Communications shape how others see women with migrant background, and how women see themselves.
A smiling photo, a quote, or a story might seem harmless, but once online, it can spread quickly beyond our control. For many women, being publicly recognised could have serious consequences — from unwanted attention to safety risks for family members.
Communicating ethically is part of safeguarding. It shows respect, builds trust, and prevents harm.
Example
A woman with migrant background was featured in a social post for International Women’s Day with her full name and country. She later received unpleasant comments online and asked for the post to be taken down — she had not realised it would be public.
Reflection
- Have you ever shared photos or stories from your mentoring activities?
- Did you check whether participants were comfortable with it?
- How did you decide what was safe to share?
- Did the person understand where it would appear and who could see it?
Key takeaway: Safeguarding in communication means thinking ahead — not only about what we share, but how it might affect someone’s safety, reputation, or wellbeing.
Understanding risks
Communication brings visibility, but visibility can create vulnerability. We could unintentionally expose someone to stigma, online harassment, re-traumatisation, or identification by abusers.
Potential risks in communication
- Identity exposure: Revealing names, locations, or faces can make someone identifiable.
- Re-traumatisation: Public re-telling of painful experiences can reopen trauma.
- Stereotyping: Language that portrays women only as victims reinforces stigma.
- Online abuse: Posts can attract discriminatory comments or harassment.
- Loss of control: Once shared online, content can be copied or misused.
| Type of content | Possible risk | How to reduce risk |
|---|---|---|
| Group photo | Someone recognisable without consent | Blur faces / obtain written consent |
| Participant story | Details reveal past trauma | Change names / remove details |
| Newsletter quote | Language reinforces pity | Use strengths-based wording |
Case example
During a campaign, an NGO used photos from a mentoring session. Months later, one woman complained that her image appeared in a local paper — she hadn’t realised it would be used beyond the NGO’s page.
Good practice: “If in doubt, leave it out.” Always check with the person or safeguarding focal point before posting.
Informed consent
Informed consent means the person clearly understands what will be shared, how, and where — and gives permission freely. Consent is the cornerstone of ethical communication.
The four principles:
- Voluntary: chosen freely, without pressure.
- Informed: understands how their story or image will be used.
- Specific: consent relates to a particular use (e.g. internal newsletter).
- Documented: ideally written, or recorded with notes.
Example of good practice
When Fatima agreed to share her story, the mentor explained:
- where it would appear,
- that her name would be changed,
- that she could withdraw consent anytime.
This gave her control and confidence.
Quick check
A participant smiles in a photo. The mentor posts it online. Is that consent?
Remember: If consent cannot be obtained clearly and safely, do not share. Better to protect than to regret.
Language, images and power
The words and images we choose shape how others see women with migrant background — and how women see themselves.
“Ethical communication is not about hiding hardship — it’s about showing dignity.”
| Instead of… | Say… |
|---|---|
| “victims of migration” | “women with migration experience” |
| “poor refugee women” | “women rebuilding their lives” |
| “she was rescued” | “she took steps to change her situation” |
| “victim of human trafficking” | “rebuilding her life after exploitation” |
On images
- Show participation, not passivity.
- Choose photos showing confidence or collaboration.
- Avoid highlighting poverty, tears, or dependency.
- When unsure, use symbolic images instead of faces.
Data protection and online safety
Once something is online, it’s nearly impossible to remove. Even small details can make someone identifiable.
Good practices
- Store consent forms securely and password-protect data.
- Avoid sharing personal details (age, address, migration route).
- Remove photo metadata before posting.
- Blur or crop images if needed.
- Monitor comments and remove unsafe posts quickly.
- Use pseudonyms and review privacy settings.
- If using WhatsApp or Messenger, ensure groups are private and participants consented.
- Participants may withdraw consent at any time — respect it immediately.
Scenario
Sara’s image appears in a fundraising video. She later withdraws consent.
Action: Take the video down immediately, inform the safeguarding lead, and confirm with Sara once deleted.
Your personal checklist & final quiz
Before you share anything externally, ask yourself:
- Consent – have I obtained informed, specific consent?
- Risk – could this content put anyone at risk?
- Dignity – does this show the person as capable, not helpless?
- Accuracy – am I sharing facts, not assumptions?
- Safety – is data stored securely?
- Respect – would I be comfortable if this were my story?
Quick Quiz
- What does “informed” mean?
✅ The person understands where and how the content will be shared. - Which is a safeguarding risk?
✅ Posting identifiable photos publicly. - Which caption is more empowering?
✅ “Women in our programme are building new futures through mentoring.” - If a participant withdraws consent?
✅ Remove the content immediately and inform the safeguarding lead. - How to reduce communication risk?
✅ Blur faces or change names when needed.
Reflection Note
Think of one communication example (photo, post, story) from your organisation. How could it be made safer or more empowering?