Aurat Foundation, USAID Facilitates Media Sensitization Sessions on Gender Equity
Individualland Pakistan, with the partnership of Aurat Foundation, under USAID supported Gender Equity Program (GEP) is holding the first of its series of workshops in Islamabad from July 25 to July 27, 2011, on sensitization of media on gender equity, in nine districts of Pakistan. On Monday, the first day of session was held, which was dedicated to the print media. The objectives of the initiative are to sensitize the electronic and print media, regarding the issue of women empowerment and use it as a medium for advocacy.
Ms. Gulmina Bilal Ahmad and Mr. Tauseeq Haider moderated the event, while gender expert Ms. Rehana Shaikh acted as resource persons on behalf of Individualland Pakistan. Senior journalists from print media participated in the event. The discussions focused on the sensitivity of communicating women related issues through media and selection of appropriate messages. Renowned journalist Mr. Umar Cheema was the chief guest on the occasion and distributed certificates among the participants, at the conclusion of the session.
Individualland Pakistan (IL-Pakistan) is an active non-partisan, not for profit registered civil society group. Since its inception, IL has worked on pertinent issues in respect 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. Social taboos, religious and cultural elements are among the leading factors that result in a society that does not believe in Gender Equity. Individualland Pakistan, with the support of Aurat Foundation and USAID endeavours to take steps in this direction that will help create awareness among the society on this sensitive issue through the media personnel related with TV/Radio, Print and Online media. IL has also conducted a base line survey to find trends and perceptions of various media projections among the communities. The project will also contribute to lobbying and advocacy of this important issue by using media platforms, particularly to influence the policy formulation process.
The U.S. government, through United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with Aurat Foundation launched a five year Gender Equity Program in Pakistan in 2010, to advance women's human rights and support Pakistani government's policies against gender inequities. Individualland Pakistan, under GEP will conduct 23 sensitization sessions in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, Hyderabad and Multan.