Project Overview
PEF initiated a project titled as “Engaging Media Influencers for Peace” to engage Media Influencers as they are a critical target group to amplify peace narrative through effectively using media platforms (print, electronic and social media). The Media Influencers are engaged from across Pakistan including Punjab, KPK, Sindh, Balochistan and Federal- Islamabad. The project will build the capacity of 100 Media Influencers (50 male and 50 female) from across Pakistan through specialized two-layers of capacity building workshops on peacemaking, inter and intra-faith reconciliations, religious freedom, human rights, diversity and pluralism and media skills. Once trained, the participants will be given opportunities to develop and implement a series of seed projects through effectively using the media platforms, digital media such as TV and radio channels, print media such as newspaper, religious journals and magazines including social media platforms such as Facebook, twitter, YouTube and zoom to amplify messages on peace, tolerance and interfaith harmony in different set of forms and formats.
OBJECTIVES:
To capacitate Media Influencers on peacemaking, critical thinking and media skills that enable them to contribute for an inclusive society.
Prepare the influencers to design media seed projects on peacemaking, interreligious understanding, co-existence and defend the rights of women and other faiths by creating a network of Peace Catalyst on media platforms.
Summary Four-day training Workshop:
Peace and Education Foundation conducted a Four-day capacity building training workshops for Media Influencers in Islamabad from May 25 – 28, 2023. A total of 32 Participants (17 male and 15 female) from various Muslim denominations, institutions and different media outlets (Print, electronic and social media) representing KP, Punjab and Federal – Islamabad were engaged through the 4 – day training. The workshop covered a broad set of physical and intellectual exercises, all aimed to better their understanding, comprehension and skill-set that ultimately contribute into their role for building peace in the society. The training strategically designed in a manner to ensure optimal interactions and mutual discussions with the group of participants that includes group works, role plays, revealing their personal stories on conflicts or violent conflicts and questions & answer sessions with CVE and media experts. The training curriculum included different topics like critical thinking, Peacubuilding Why and How, The power of one- self-awareness, Role of media in narrative building, types of information disorder, disinformation campaigns, How to stop fake news, tools to fight disinformation, media and defamation laws, Peace Tech- media skills for promoting peace.
Learning Outcomes:
As a result of the workshops, the participants developed initial designs for seed projects in the domains of print, electronic, and social media. These projects aim to promote peace, tolerance, dialogue, and interfaith harmony by utilizing media platforms effectively. The Media Influencers presented these initial ideas/designs to PEF’s team of experts, who provided feedback.
Quotation of Participants- Takeaways:
Muhammad Asim a renowned religious journalist from Punjab, expressed his appreciation for the workshop, stating that “it has not only provided me with valuable media skills but also enhanced my confidence as a media influencer. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to participate and gain these new abilities. The workshop has equipped me with the tools I need to effectively communicate my message and engage with my viewers in a more impactful way. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and the positive changes I can bring through my enhanced media skills.”
Dherminder Kumar, representing the Hindu Media Network, shared his perspective on the workshop. “Before attending, I held the belief that as a member of a minority community, the struggle for religious harmony in the media sector was a solitary endeavor. However, the workshop proved to be a transformative experience for me, instilling a sense of hope and presenting an extensive network of media influencers. This newfound network offers opportunities for collaboration in promoting peace and religious harmony. Together, we can make a significant impact in fostering understanding and unity through our collective efforts.”
Miss Nasreen Jabeen, an esteemed editor of local religious journals and Jung newspaper from KP, reflected on her experience during the four-day workshop. “The workshop provided an invaluable opportunity for me to connect with diverse individuals from different media backgrounds, fostering an understanding of the significance of appreciating differing perspectives for a peaceful society. I gained insights into the severe consequences of spreading false news or engaging in propaganda, leading me to commit to responsible and thoughtful journalism as an editor. I pledge to prioritize proper verification before publishing, acknowledging the impact it has on the integrity and accuracy of my work”.
Miss Noshaba Sattar, a young media activist from Punjab, expressed her thoughts on the workshop. “I greatly valued the workshop’s interactive nature, as it included engaging group activities and encouraged exploration of diverse ideas. The opportunity to rotate among different groups fostered meaningful discussions and enriched my learning experience. The feedback from facilitators and fellow participants was invaluable, provided in a friendly and constructive manner, creating a productive and supportive learning environment”.