An open discussion title 'gender-sensitive language in mass media' was held at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Monday, aiming to sensitize Bangladeshi media professionals.
Under the 'Shomotay Tarunno: Youth for Equality' Project, Plan International Bangladesh organised the discussion programme at Tofazzal Hossain Manik Miah Hall of the National Press Club.
Dhaka University’s Mass Communication and Journalism department Associate Professor Dr Md. Khorshed Alam conducted the seminar.
DU Women and Gender Studies department Professor Dr Sanzida Akhter delivered her speech as discussant while Gender and Civil Society’s Senior Policy Advisor and Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN) Mushfiqua Zaman Satiar, Daily Star’s senior reporter Zyma Islam, Press Institute Bangladesh Associate Professor Monira Shormin and Director Influencing, Campaign and Communications, Plan International Bangladesh Nishath Sultana spoke here.
Salma Hasnayen, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Neelima Yasmeen, Deputy Director, Programme, Plan International Bangladesh and Esha Farooqe, assistant director of JAAGO Foundation attended the event.
Addressing the programme, the speaker shed lights on using gender-sensitive language. They also said that there are good examples of gender-sensitive reports, usage of gender-sensitive language in media but online harassment, cyber bullying, and use of gender-insensitive language is present in media.
There is a need of gender-sensitive training for media professionals. Women journalists at grassroots level are not getting proper environment at workplaces and this is necessary for creating a safe and free space for women in media, the speakers added.
Funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN), this four-year project by Plan International Bangladesh and JAAGO Foundation Trust engages 13,515 participants across eight divisions, including youth, media professionals, and influencers.
