Медіа: Grechka

Context

In public discourse, gender issues are usually addressed to women, while the impact of gender stereotypes on men often remains underestimated or taboo. This makes it harder to discuss men’s mental health, emotions, bodily experiences, and vulnerability, and it narrows opportunities for rethinking models of masculinity.

What was done

The Gre4ka editorial team created a series of analytical articles on the impact of gender stereotypes on society, with a specific focus on male audiences.

The articles:

• analyzed how stereotypes harm men’s psychological, physical, and social well-being;
• addressed health, sexuality, emotional vulnerability, and social pressure;
• presented positive examples of overcoming stereotypes rather than focusing only on problems.

How it was implemented

• The articles were published on the website throughout 2023–2024.
• They were later narrated and adapted into an audio format, which helped broaden the audience.
• Based on the series, the newsroom launched a dedicated podcast titled “You’re a Man”, making the topic more accessible and less confrontational.

The editorial team explains that, while preparing the series, they deliberately chose an unconventional approach to topics and headlines. Although analyses of gender stereotypes often focus on women’s experiences, the newsroom intentionally shifted attention toward men, both in headlines and examples. According to the editors, many gender stereotypes are two-sided and affect different groups, and this perspective helped engage a broader audience in the discussion.

Readers’ feedback was especially valuable: both men and women reported using the articles as arguments in conversations about gender issues. Some publications also had a deeper personal impact. For example, after reading an article about stereotypes in marital relationships, some women recognized their own experiences and realized for the first time that what they had experienced was a form of violence and should not be considered normal.

“At Gre4ka, if we write about a problem, we try to use the principles of solutions journalism. But how do you do that when writing about gender stereotypes? The answer came partly from Tamara Martseniuk, who served as an expert for part of the series. The point is not only to describe the problem but also to show people who are already breaking these stereotypes. In my view, everyday examples of such change are more influential than pages of lofty analytical theory,” says Iryna Trebunskykh, a journalist at the outlet.

Impact

Two articles from the series became finalists in the Ukrainian journalism competition “Honor of the Profession” in 2024. The project contributed to expanding public discussion about the harmful effects of gender stereotypes on men and the need to rethink them.

The audio format also helped attract a new audience, including men who are less likely to engage with analytical texts on gender issues.

What other media can learn

• Talk about gender equality by addressing men as a target audience, not only women.
• Combine analytical content with audio formats to lower the barrier to engaging with complex topics.
• Show not only problems but also examples of change that can be supportive and motivating.

Context

Postpartum depression remains a highly stigmatized topic, while public stories about maternal crises are often presented through condemnation, sensationalism, or simplified moral judgments. Such approaches only increase women’s fear of seeking help.

What was done

The Gre4ka editorial team published a story about a woman from Kropyvnytskyi who, while experiencing postpartum depression, left her newborn at a “Window of Life” facility.

The article:

• addressed the socially sensitive issue of women’s mental health;
• focused on the woman’s emotional state, fears, and experiences;
• deliberately avoided condemnation or formal moral judgments of her actions.

How it was implemented

The story was told through the woman’s personal experience, emphasizing postpartum depression as a medical and psychological condition.

The editorial team chose a non-judgmental, empathetic tone, highlighting that seeking help in a crisis situation is a necessary and responsible step.

“This was a challenge for the newsroom: how to write about the case so that the woman would not face public condemnation. We chose to tell the story through her feelings and experiences and to stress that asking for help is normal. Surprisingly, there was no negative reaction at all. Later, the woman contacted the newsroom again and told us that, by court decision, the child had been returned to the family and that she continues treatment for depression under professional supervision,” said Iryna Trebunskykh, a journalist at the outlet.

Impact

The publication did not provoke negative reactions from the audience, which is significant given the sensitivity of the topic. The article contributed to a more thoughtful and empathetic public understanding of postpartum depression.

Later, the protagonist informed the newsroom that her child had been returned to the family by court order and that she remained under professional treatment for depression, indirectly demonstrating the value of a supportive rather than stigmatizing media approach.

What other media can learn

• Report on socially sensitive topics with a focus on human experience rather than judgment, placing emotions, motivations, and life context at the center of the story.
• Use empathetic, non-stigmatizing language when covering mental health, motherhood, and crisis situations, avoiding sensational headlines and moralizing wording.
• Treat sources as partners rather than “subjects of a story”: explain how the material will be used, agree on sensitive details, and respect the right to pause or remain silent.
• Clearly distinguish facts from public opinion and avoid replacing journalism with moral judgments or pseudo-expert conclusions.
• Include information about available support services (hotlines, counseling, support centers) so that the article has practical value for readers in similar situations.
• Work systematically with mental health topics, not only during crises, helping normalize conversations about them.
• Monitor audience reactions and be prepared to explain editorial decisions if the topic raises questions or debate.