Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication-BNNRC, in collaboration with SETU, organized a capacity-building workshop for local media professionals on the technology-facilitated gender-based violence-TFGBV : prevention, mitigation and response and promoting digital development, on December 21.
A total of 30 media professionals from Kushtia district participated in the workshop. Through this initiative, participants are expected to play a stronger role—across national dailies, television, local newspapers, online news portals and other media platforms—in promoting digital development and in preventing and mitigating TFGBV. By raising public awareness through reporting and communication, they will contribute both to addressing TFGBV and advancing inclusive digital development.
The workshop aimed to provide media professionals with a clear understanding of the context, forms, impacts and prevention of TFGBV, including relevant laws and policies, as well as the prospects of digital development in Bangladesh, motivate participants to strengthen knowledge-sharing and accountability on TFGBV prevention within their own organizations, encourage the production of analytical reports on digital development and TFGBV prevention, mitigation and response so that media coverage can drive positive change, create an enabling environment for continued cooperation, information sharing and networking among participating journalists through mutual communication and experience exchange and support media professionals to identify TFGBV-related issues and promote reporting, publication and advocacy—encouraging other relevant local stakeholders to take effective roles and actions in preventing and mitigating TFGBV.
The workshop was organized under BNNRC’s project titled ‘Strengthening Resilience Against Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence-TFGBV and Promoting Digital Development.’ The project is part of the Nagorikata : Civic Engagement Fund-CEF programme. GFA Consulting Group provides technical support and funding is provided by Switzerland and Global Affairs Canada.
At the start of the workshop, Dr Md Abdul Quader, Executive Director of SETU, delivered the welcome address. He briefed participants on the workshop’s objectives and expected outcomes and presented the issues clearly. He also discussed the local context of Kushtia, its progress and what more should be done.
AHM Bazlur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of BNNRC, delivered a detailed presentation on TFGBV—its concept, forms and negative impacts—along with the idea of digital development, expected outcomes and responsibilities. He reiterated the workshop’s objectives and expected results and highlighted what local media professionals can do to prevent TFGBV and promote digital development. He also discussed emerging areas for information gathering and stakeholder identification to support accurate and impactful reporting.
Sanjay Kumar Biswas, Senior ICT Manager at SETU, presented an overview of the current TFGBV situation in Kushtia. He spoke about reasons for hope and the actions needed for change and shared brief policy recommendations tailored to Kushtia.
Among the participants, 12 designated speakers took part in the discussion, while others joined an open session. They expressed commitments to undertaking awareness-raising activities from their respective positions—focusing on TFGBV forms, prevention, mitigation and response. Participants also emphasized engaging new stakeholders in TFGBV prevention, such as representatives from various ISPs, lawyers and agents of mobile financial services (including bKash and Rocket).
Participants further highlighted the need to : collect diverse opinions on actions and initiatives to address TFGBV against journalists, develop a list of violence types faced by journalists, strengthen coordination and communication with government and non-government institutions and ensure appropriate government support for journalists who become victims of such violence.
Special Suest, Md Sayed Hasan, Upazila Cooperative Officer, stated that society must become more aware of TFGBV. He noted that people often seek remedies only after harm occurs. Still, if everyone takes greater awareness and practical steps from their own positions, TFGBV can be uprooted along with its root causes. He emphasized strict action against misinformation and disinformation and the importance of active, accurate information flows through the media to ensure that truth prevails. He also underscored journalists’ role in drawing the attention of relevant authorities through their writing so that necessary measures are taken and proper government support for survivors is ensured.
The Chief Guest, Ferdous Najneen, Representative, Deputy Director’s Office, Department of Women Affairs, Kushtia, stated that when seeking redress for TFGBV, families must be made aware first—because in many cases, the first barrier and the first blame come from within the family. She stressed the need to promote moral learning and education on digital etiquette in every household. In this context, ensuring the media’s role is essential so that these messages reach everyone.
Speakers emphasized strengthening ongoing cooperation and information exchange through communication, experience sharing and network-building among journalists. They also stressed the importance of identifying TFGBV-related issues and increasing reporting and publication on these issues. Press Release