LAHORE: Individualland (IL) Pakistan, in collaboration with the Aurat Publication and Information Service Foundation, held first of its series of workshops in Islamabad from July 25 to July 27 regarding creating awareness amongst media authorities on gender equity in nine districts of Pakistan.
The workshops were held under the USAID and The Asia Foundation’s joint venture, Gender Equity Programme (GEP). Media personnel belonging to print and electronic media participated in the sensitisation sessions.
Media personnel related to print media were invited for the event on July 25, media personnel from radios on July 27, while other electronic media representatives on July 26. The objectives of the initiative were to sensitise the electronic and print media regarding the issue of women empowerment and use it as a medium for its advocacy.
Gulmina Bilal Ahmad and Tauseeq Haider moderated the event, while gender expert Dr Rakhshanda Parveen was the resource person on behalf of Individualland Pakistan. The discussions focused on the sensitivity of communicating women-related issues through media and selection of appropriate messages.
Radio/TV Producer Kanwal Naseer was the chief guest of the event and distributed certificates among the participants at the conclusion of the session.
Aurat Foundation’s Chief of Party Seemi Kamal was also present on the occasion. Individualland Pakistan is an active non-partisan, non-profit registered civil society group. Since its inception, it has worked on issues pertaining to governance, rule of law, media communication skills, strengthening civil society and democratic development. Gender inequality is one of the most pressing issues in Pakistan, the speakers at the occasion said.
Social taboos, religious and cultural elements are among the leading factors that result in a society that does not believe in gender equity, they said, adding that IL, with the support of Aurat Foundation and USAID, endeavours to take steps in this direction that will help create awareness among society on this sensitive issue through media personnel associated with TV/radio, print and online media.
Source: Daily Times
Date:7/30/2011
