Gender sensitisation: ILO project aims to train women in media

Senior journalists will train colleagues to promote a safer environment, greater equality.

A three-day training and consultation programme aimed at building media capacity to promote gender equality concluded on Monday.

The training based on International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) standards and conventions to promote ‘Decent Work agenda for women’, was held as part of a five-year project, Gender Equality for Decent Employment (GE4DE).

Under the programme, around 800 journalists across the country will be trained through 35 training programmes spread over a year. The ILO hopes to improve the coverage of women in the media through this initiative, said an official.

Addressing the group of trainers, GE4DE Project Director Farida Khan emphasised the need for media and civil society to work together to improve the voice of working women in the country.

These journalists will in turn reach over 5,000 women workers and entrepreneurs.

The training also aimed to equip reporters with professional techniques.

To become advocates for gender equality and improved working conditions, the project emphasises decent employment opportunities for everyone.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 18^th, 2012.