These guidelines are designed to uphold the journalistic integrity of More to Her Story (MTHS) as we amplify voices and deliver stories of women and girls worldwide. They are living principles, subject to continuous reflection and revision as our platform evolves. While they are not exhaustive, they aim to provide a foundation for ethical decision-making in a variety of circumstances.

At MTHS, we are committed to impartiality and independence in our reporting. Our goal is to deliver stories free from influence, real or perceived. To this end:

• We remain nonpartisan.
  Our journalists and contributors refrain from active involvement in political or advocacy efforts that could compromise our ability to report fairly.

Commitment to Fairness

Fairness is central to MTHS. It requires diligence, thoroughness, and respect for all perspectives.

• Fairness is completeness.
  No story is fair if it omits critical facts or fails to provide proper context.

• Fairness is relevance.
  We prioritize information that advances understanding and avoid irrelevant or distracting details.

• Fairness is honesty.
  We do not mislead, obscure, or sensationalize. Claims about individuals or organizations must be supported by evidence, and those involved must be given the opportunity to respond.

Maintaining Dignity and Sensitivity

MTHS respects the dignity of its subjects and readers, understanding that global audiences may have differing perceptions of decency.

• We avoid gratuitous or graphic content unless it is essential to the story. In such cases, we include warnings to prepare audiences.

• We approach sensitive topics with care, avoiding language or visuals that exploit or sensationalize.

Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for engagement and amplification but must be used responsibly:

• Preserve integrity.
  Social media activity by MTHS team members should reflect our commitment to fairness and professionalism. Avoid partisan advocacy or posts that could undermine MTHS’s credibility.

• Engage respectfully.
  Our interactions should embody professionalism and empathy. Personal disputes or grievances should not be aired publicly.

• Prioritize safety.
  In the event of harassment or threats, team members should immediately report the issue for guidance and protection.

Transparency and Sourcing

MTHS strives for transparency in how we gather and present information.

• Named sources preferred.
  Whenever possible, we rely on named sources to uphold credibility. Anonymous sources are used sparingly, only when the information cannot be obtained otherwise and when the source’s safety or livelihood is at risk.

• Attribution is essential.
  We clearly attribute facts, quotes, and context that originate outside of our reporting. Plagiarism is never tolerated.

• We credit photographers.
  We ensure that photographers whose work we use are always credited appropriately, respecting their contributions and intellectual property.

• Context matters.
  Quotes should be presented in their intended context, and individuals should be given a fair opportunity to respond to coverage about them.

Corrections and Updates

Accuracy is the cornerstone of trust at MTHS. When mistakes occur, we address them promptly and transparently.

• Corrections:
  Substantial errors will be corrected with a clear explanation of what was wrong and accurate information.

• Clarifications:
  If facts were correct but unclear, we will revise the language and note the clarification.

• Updates:
  Digital stories may be updated to reflect new information, signaled by a timestamp unless the update involves significant corrections.

Diversity in Voices

MTHS believes that diversity in perspective enriches storytelling.

• We actively seek out underrepresented and grassroots voices, ensuring a variety of perspectives in every region we cover.

• Our stories prioritize the lived experiences of women and girls, focusing on their agency and resilience while respecting their dignity.

A Journalist’s Role

Our role at MTHS is to serve as facilitators of stories, not protagonists. We report with humility, focusing on the individuals and issues we cover.

• Honor integrity.
  We do not misrepresent ourselves or our intentions in pursuit of a story.

• Value humanity.
  We strive to report with care, treating all sources and subjects with dignity and respect.

At More to Her Story, our mission is grounded in truth, empathy, and the unwavering belief that journalism can drive change. These principles guide us as we elevate the voices of women and girls worldwide.