A dialogue with journalists on technology-facilitated gender-based violence-TFGBV : Prevention and Response and promoting digital development, was organized by the Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication-BNNRC on December 30.
Thirty journalists from national-level print, electronic and online media based in Dhaka participated in the interactive dialogue. During the session, participants committed to playing proactive roles from their respective positions to prevent and mitigate technology-facilitated gender-based violence and promote digital development. They also pledged to raise awareness among society at large, as well as within their families, social circles and workplaces. These commitments are expected to play an essential role in addressing TFGBV and advancing inclusive digital development.
The objective of the dialogue was to engage women media professionals in understanding TFGBV, its context, types and impacts, as well as prevention and mitigation measures. The session aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge of relevant laws and policies, encourage the production of analytical reports on TFGBV and digital development and strengthen mutual communication and networking among journalists. This would enable them to work collectively to prevent TFGBV, promote digital growth and drive positive change through their professional activities.
The dialogue was implemented under BNNRC’s project titled ‘Strengthening Resilience Against Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence-TFGBV and Promoting Digital Development.’ The project is part of the Ngorikata : Civic Engagement Fund-CEF programme. GFA Consulting Group is providing technical assistance, while funding is provided by Switzerland and Global Affairs Canada.
At the beginning of the event, AHM Bazlur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of BNNRC, delivered a welcome address. He briefed the participants on the objectives and expected outcomes of the dialogue and clearly articulated the significance of the issue. He explained the concept of TFGBV in detail and briefly highlighted its impacts.
Shahnaz Munni, Senior Journalist, delivered a presentation on the concept, types and negative impacts of TFGBV, as well as the idea of digital development, its desired outcomes and responsibilities. In her presentation, she discussed in detail the roles of media professionals in preventing TFGBV and promoting digital development, as well as new areas and stakeholders for information collection and news coverage. She expressed hope for positive change, discussed actionable steps and presented concise policy recommendations for journalists.
During the dialogue, Shahnaz Sharmeen, Special Correspondent, Ekattor TV, sought to understand how women media professionals experience violence or harassment through technology in both online and offline spaces. Participants shared their personal experiences and briefly discussed possible remedies.
Subsequently, 15 designated speakers from among the participants took part in a special dialogue session, which was moderated by Zannatul Bakiya Keka, Special Correspondent, Channel i. Other participants also joined the open discussion. They expressed their individual commitments as media professionals to address the types, prevention, mitigation and necessary actions related to TFGBV from their respective positions.
In the open discussion session, participants emphasized that greater awareness of TFGBV is essential. They noted that action is often sought only after an incident occurs, whereas increased awareness and proactive initiatives at the individual level could help eradicate the root causes of TFGBV. Strong measures against misinformation and disinformation, along with ensuring an active and accurate flow of information through the media, were identified as key to upholding truth. Participants also stressed the importance of providing survivors of violence with access to appropriate government support services and of disseminating information about these services to the general public.
At the conclusion of the discussion, all participants agreed that awareness must begin with oneself to address TFGBV effectively. Without self-awareness, it is not possible to raise awareness among others. Participants highlighted the need to sensitize families as well, since family resistance is often the first barrier survivors face. In this context, the media’s strong role is crucial to ensuring that messages reach everyone. Through mutual communication, experience sharing and network building, the women media professionals are committed to continued collaboration and information exchange and to identifying, reporting and publishing TFGBV-related issues with greater determination. Press Release