Kiki Febriyanti works on disinformation project at Artists for Digital Rights Network

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IAWRT member, filmmaker and artist from Indonesia explores the instant consumption habits of people on the internet that cause cyber-bullying.

 

The Artists for Digital Rights Network (A4DRN), led by UP INTERNET President Mac Andre Arboleda, held it inaugural Artists for Digital Rights Program in July. Ten selected artists from Philippines and Indonesia worked on projects related to disinformation.

 

The project is made possible by Doublethink Lab and Innovation for Change-East Asia. The group launched an artistic publication  on July 28 and held a roundtable discussion on July 31.

 

Artists underwent a month-long online workshop in the fellowship.

 

“The program just like I expected that every artist always supports each other, learn together and from each other, especially because everyone has different backgrounds and specialty in their art practice and our works as counter-narrative media and disinformation,” shared Febriyanti.

 

Febriyanti shared the project she worked on as part of the A4DRN program. “Click Bite” explores the instant consumption habits of people on the internet that cause cyber-bullying.

 

“Click Bite” is when our click can become a poisonous bite that causes harm towards other people, which also happens because of habits when people easily click, share, and then do hate speech, bullying or even violence which has impacts on the transgender community.

 

“In this case, the transgender community is often accused as the cause of any problem in the society, from the political to the economy and to disasters. Instead of making further analyses, we easily pointed our fingers to blame transgenders as the cause of the problem, as if transgenders are the comic characters who have superpowers. There are many cases that transgender received hatred, cyber-bullying, and even being kicked from the house because of the spread of disinformation,” explained the artist.

 

This piece shows two transwomen, Anggun and MJ (Maya Jayusman) with mystical costumes made from newspapers and pieces of fabric, their gazes show that they are subjects and not only objects for mass media.

 

“The concept of fashion photography was chosen to draw similarities between newspapers, conspiracy theories and hoaxes, fashion is also a part of our life which cannot be separated from society, this form is also attractive, easy to consume, and popular,” shared Febriyanti.

Scan photo to watch the video, using https://web.unitear.com/ from a web browser or Install https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ibosoninnov.unitear

 

Febriyanti holds a Bachelor’s degree majoring in Indonesian Literature. She also completed a John Darling Fellowship 2015 on “Visual anthropology” at the Australian National University in Canberra, Australia. She had also held an artist residency at the International Center of Graphic Arts MGLC in Ljubljana, Slovenia in 2019. Recently, her video work took part in the Every Woman Biennial London 2021 exhibition.

 

She is currently working as a freelance filmmaker and also a member of Authority Collective. She also wants to educate on the “photo bill of rights,” where Authority Collective is one of the eight author organizations. The website about the “photo bill of rights” contains information and education that people can read about how lens-based/media workers can have an ethical and healthy working environment.

 

Inspirational messages usher in 1st National Women’s Convention for Peace in Cameroon

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The convention is an initiative by Cameroonian women to send a strong collective message that the women of Cameroon are longing for peace.

IAWRT Cameroon members are among the women joining the peace convention.

 

“Since one can only give what he or she has, let me settle whatever conflict there is within Me or with another person, so that the Peace I give to others will be Genuine,” said Tchonko Becky Bissong, CRTV Journalist and IAWRT Cameroon Chapter head, a post that is part of the social media campaign of the convention. 

 

The peace convention is a gathering of Cameroonian women to speak with one voice about restoring peace to Cameroon. The convention is not organized by the government nor is it related to any political party.

 

More than one thousand women from all corners and groups of society are expected to join to unite their voices: women peace activists, displaced women and girls, victims of war-related violence, female traditional and religious leaders, female soldiers, women entrepreneurs, domestic workers, women from civil society and political parties and many more.

 

“We are here and we are ready to dialogue.”

 

This is the message of women taking part in the unforgettable and incomparable three-day peace convention at the end of July 2021.

 

The convention is slated from July 29-31 at the Palais des Congrès in Yaounde. The town is considered the most centrally located in all of Cameroon, making travel from all 10 regions easier than from any other town.

 

“Let us no longer accept that they speak for us – Let us speak for ourselves.”

 

The information on the convention says that women are paying a disproportionately heavy price in armed conflicts every day.

 

“But we have also shown that we can face these difficult challenges with a strong determination, loud voices and firm actions. Women are the glue of society – we have come with an unwavering commitment to bring peace to the country we love and to make it a better place for ourselves and our children.”

 

The gathering will build an alliance “that is stronger, louder, and more numerous than those who profit from war.”

 

“Nothing will silence us or slow us down – not the difficult memories, the painful testimonies, or the ignorance of those who treat women without respect.”

 

A platform of 38 Cameroonian women’s organisations is part of the planning committee of the peace convention.

 

“War does not determine who is right – only who’s left.”

 

The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Foundation is the convention secretary. FES is a German political foundation that bases its work on freedom, equality, social justice, and solidarity. They have been working in Cameroon since 1986.

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From media trainee to trainer and mentor

Organizer Women Film Festival Nepal 2018

Mandir Raut

Nepal

TV Executive Producer and Non-formal education trainer 

Mandira Raut Thapa, or Mandira to colleagues, is currently the Executive Producer of television talk show: Youth in Entrepreneurship. She is also a Board Member to the IAWRT International Board in December 2020.

Starting out in media

She got her first taste of professional media in 2003 when she was selected by her school to attend the “School Representative Media Training”, a yearlong media training program run by the Leadership Academy (then Today’s Youth Asia). She was only 17 then, aspiring to become a media personality.

“The media training opened different avenues for me. It was through the training, I got to meet other like-minded young individuals, and also produce a youth magazine in the following years. Together we would collect articles and report on issues that needed attention but hardly got the limelight in other forms of media,” recalled Mandira of the time.

She volunteered for the organization. It was only in 2006, upon completing high school, that she joined Leadership Academy as an intern and was later promoted as Project Coordinator and Editorial Assistant for Today’s Youth Asia, a bi-weekly magazine with outreach in South Asia.

“We were a small team back then and naturally, one person took up various responsibilities. It was while juggling various hats that I got to hone my skills at work coordination and correspondence, data collection, writing and reporting, proof-reading, and the like,” she shared.

“My passion for journalism got stronger with each interview I took, the guests I met, and the collaboration with the photographers and graphic designers that introduced me to a wider world of media,” said Mandira.

When Today’s Youth Asia transitioned from a magazine to a TV Show called Youth TV Show in 2009, she became the producer of the show.

“I was shaped by the show in different ways,” Mandira recounted.

It was only after 2014 she ventured into freelancing by producing various radio and television programs independently.

“I started out in 2003, at a time when there was very little scope for media as a career for the youth. Even when media studies and media training institutes were extremely few, we had the vision to create a platform for the voices of the youth and increase their participation in democracy,” she shared her goals back then.

During the 10-year Civil War, her group was the first youth-led media outlet that gave the youth an opportunity to bring their voices to the forefront, in spite of the constant backlash, threat, and criticism they faced for being different and outspoken.

“We used media to engage in issues and ideas that were new and unique to the public. It wouldn’t be wrong to call ourselves trendsetters in Nepali media as we also introduced a culture of holding debates for the time in Nepali television on national and international issues,” shared Mandira.

“We gave the youth a chance to present their points of view on a national platform when such events were practiced only in a very few schools in Nepal. As the first Producer of a reality TV Show Nepal’s Top 7 Debaters 2012, I am happy to share this show holds World Record Setter as the first Debate Television Show,” said Mandira.

Current career and goals

She is currently working as Executive Producer of the television talk show “Youth in Entrepreneurship” where they interview and share stories of entrepreneurs, and attempt to understand the current scenario of entrepreneurial business in Nepal. The main objective of this show is to promote innovative ideas for the younger generation.

She is also running another motivational show “UTSAAH” where they feature mother’s stories and issues of working women while running small businesses and taking care of the housework. This show is a work in progress and will be launched when the pandemic situation gets stabilized.

Mandira, similar to how she started out in the media, also got into youth training.

“As a non-formal education trainer, my job is to train youth from 13 to 24 years old in collaboration with different educational institutions on areas of personal development, public speaking, and presentation skills,” she shared.  

These trainings are wide-ranging and cover topics like youths anchoring, public speaking, leadership, confidence building, reporting and writing, and communication for personality development. 

What are the things she is aspiring to accomplish in the near future? Still a lot, as she thinks she is only in the middle of her journey.

“I want to set up a media platform or station where young people always get to learn and experiment with their ideas. Further, I also wish to create an academic platform on the basis of ethics and principle-based learning to do both theory and practical work, innovate new ideas to bring positive change,” said Mandira.

Being an IAWRT member and elected to the International Board

She became an IAWRT Nepal member in December 2007 when I was invited as a Youth Guest Speaker at its IAWRT International Conference in Nepal. It was her first International Conference to speak about her work as a young media person.

“Then, I was handed an IAWRT membership form and later I received an email informing me that I had been accepted to become a member,” she recalled.

“IAWRT has helped me build my confidence and accelerated my learning through interactions and success stories of people around the world, who are fighting against injustice and who are continuing their work despite difficult situations,” said Mandira on how IAWRT has influenced her work and life.

She also has fond memories of the network of women in IAWRT.

“IAWRT members are a constant reminder that it is people and network that support each other during crisis in every aspect,” said Mandira.

While she served as IAWRT Nepal Secretary for four years, she was part of organizing conferences, workshops, trainings, and film festivals where she was able to experience knowing Nepalese media and media personality very closely. This experience, she said, “has given me a lot of confidence to do anything in my country.”

“It has taught me the secret of failure and success. I am very confident in my leadership role in the present and future,” said Mandira.
In the 2020 elections of IAWRT, Mandira was elected as one of three Board members to complete a 7-member International Board.

“As a member of the International board, I hope to support the current board to complete the projects we have launched and create a financial platform for long-term organizational sustainability,” said Mandira.

Mandira believes in the work of IAWRT just as she believes that women in media have the ability to bring sustainable change.

“We need more women in decision-making power all over the world. We need good leadership and risk-takers women in media. Women journalists all over the world need safe working space in media houses,” she said.
From a youth media trainee and budding journalist, Mandira is now an experienced media producer. She also now works to educate and influence the youth and inspire positive changes in her country through her work. It was a reversal of roles made possible through the passing of time, accumulation of experience and wisdom, and a heart that wants to give back or pay forward.

“Young people want quick results which are short-term. I request them to have patience in their profession and stick to their dreams and believe in them. One should always adapt to change with time and technology and educate with new knowledge,” is her advice to young aspiring journalists.

Media professors in Palestinian universities issue statement on press freedom

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′′The right to freedom to practice media, express opinion and protection of journalists′′

IAWRT member from Palestine Benaz Batrawi, a media professor, is among the signatories of the statement issued by academics and media professors on July 3, 2021.

 

“It was a call to defend the freedom of speech and explanation how we can do that as media academics,” said Batrawi.

 

Batrawi is a trainer and consultant in communication for development at Medianet office and used to be a lecturer at Al-Quds University and Open University. She holds a B.A. in Economics from Bier Ziet University in Palestine, a Master’s Degree in New Media and Digital Culture from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and another Master’s Degree in Mass Communication from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. She was also part of the 2003 Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program at the Missouri School of Journalism. 

 

Press freedom statement

“The Fourth Estate must be protected, maintained, and employed with its full powers of coverage, expression, investigation, accountability, change, protection of freedoms, fighting corruption and tyranny, raising the voice of the individual and victory for human rights and national issues within the standards of media and journalistic work in one word,” the statement asserted.

 

They recognized the importance of the role of the media in maintaining civil peace and in delivering information to the public.

 

The signatories stressed the necessity of the commitment of the official authorities and the security, legal, and trade union governing bodies to the protection and impunity of the media work environment in the entire Palestinian arena, and to ensure the safety of journalists during the performance of their duties, which are considered a societal, human, moral and professional right. 

 

They also give support for press work and media coverage in all its forms as a top priority to maintain the momentum of the growing and escalating national situation and the confrontation with the occupation on all Palestinian soil. 

 

They also demand the issuance of an amendment to the Basic Law on the protection of freedom of expression and freedom of the press and considering that any attack on freedoms is a crime punishable by law.

 

The statement was signed by media professors from Al-Quds University, Bethlehem University, Birzeit University, Arab American University, Al-Quds Bard College, Al-Quds Open University, Palestine Technical Kadoorie, Al-Ahliyya Palestine University, and An-Najah National University among many others.

Kenya media sector working group tackles sexual harassment, regulation and elections

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IAWRT Kenya members joined the discussion on media sustainability in Kenya

 

A meeting of the Kenya Media Sector Working Group conference was held on July 3, 2021 to discuss critical matters affecting the media industry with an aim of influencing policy on media sustainability.

 

The previous meeting by the Kenya Media Sector Working Group in March this year led to the development of a 13-point statement that was named the Maanzoni Declaration. The July meeting is said to be a follow-up to the Maanzoni Declaration.

 

“The journey to the Media Sustainability Convention was informed by the Covid-19 crisis in 2020. This forum hopes to come up with a policy document to influence law on the establishment of a Media Sustainability Fund,” said Rosalia Omungo, editor of Kenya Editors Guild.

 

The gathering discussed having sustainable and vibrant media, better working conditions for journalists, media support, safety and protection of journalists, and having a progressive legal regime.

 

“Journalists are the key resources that media houses need to survive and consequently, the needs of journalists must be addressed even in a challenging financial or economic environment,” said Faith Oneya, editor at Nation Media Group.

 

Sexual harassment in the workplace

Glaring gaps on sexual harassment policies in media houses, Media Complaints Commission, and code of ethics are a hindrance to mitigating sexual harassment in the media, said Dorothy Njoroge, the chair at Association of Media Women in Kenya.

 

She stated that the culture within most Kenyan media newsrooms is largely masculine.

 

“Culture change is a gap and needs to be addressed,” said Njoroge.

 

The process of addressing complaints within the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Complaints Commission is clear, however, addressing sexual harassment is complex.

 

“We should prioritise the need to ensure we have safe spaces,” said Dinah Ondari of the Media Council of Kenya.

 

Policies must be fit for purpose when it comes to having sexual harassment policies in media houses, she said.

 

Kenya media regulation and accreditation in the 21st century

Should there be more or less regulation and accreditation? A panel discussion tried to answer the question.

 

Nelly Mululuka of the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) said of the role and mandate of the organization: like a watchman dealing with media owners, journalists, content consumers, advertisers among other stakeholders.

 

“Freedom of expression is there but it cannot be absolute. It must be exercised responsibly,” she stressed.

 

With that, KFCB has to filter through the content to ensure it is the right content and that the law has to be enforced.

 

Governance specialist Henry Maina said functional overreach or overlap among the regulators KFCB and Communications Authority of Kenya must be reviewed. He said regulation is important in two phases: order and economic reasons.

 

“The laws need to be harmonised to co-relate with the 21st Century,” Maina said.

 

MCK CEO David Omwoyo said, “We need to have a framework where the code of conduct and practice of journalists in Kenya is about qualified people… The code of ethics is the ultimate Bible or Koran to journalists. It must be a privilege to audit.”

 

“It is time to review the media regulations in this country so that they are aligned to the transformations taking place in the industry. Key among the changes in the industry is convergence,” said Dr. Nancy Booker of the Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications. She moderated the discussion.

 

 

2022 General Elections in Kenya

Kenya Correspondents Association Chair Oloo Janak spoke about the need for the media to prepare adequately for the 2022 General Elections.

 

The meeting spoke with key officials on the emerging (or recurring) issues in the country such as election management, election offences, and ethical leadership.

 

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries (IEBC) said media has a role to play in civic education on voter registration as they target two major mass registrations targeting four million young people with funds now being available.

 

“The Commission will work with the media to enhance the transparency of electoral processes and ensure accountability of election results from polling stations,” said IEBC Commission chair Wafula Chebukati.

 

“As we get into elections next year, the media should contribute to the vetting of candidates for various positions, similar to what government agencies do,” Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) CEO Twalib Mbarak.

 

He also said Kenya’s media industry has remained a key player in the governance affairs of the country.

 

The EACC is the premiere agency to fight corruption and was established under the Ethics & Anti-Corruption Act 2011.

 

The IEBC, EACC, and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions made a commitment to work with the media by having synergies in disseminating accurate information to the citizens

Frenchie Mae Cumpio, Lady Ann Salem write about prison ordeal, thoughts in lit folio

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IAWRT Philippines members who were imprisoned join literary folio on women political prisoners in the Philippines.

 

In the book, Frenchie Mae Cumpio wrote an open letter titled “Love means fighting back”, tackling her choice of work and giving words of encouragement to her family, friends, and supporters.

 

Lady Ann Salem wrote of her much-dreaded transfer to the Philippines’ infamously over-congested and dilapidated city jails and the first two weeks of her incarceration.

 

There are now 715 political prisoners in the Philippines of whom 132 or around 18.5 percent are women. One of them is a journalist.

 

The detained journalist is Frenchie Mae Cumpio, journalist and Executive Director of alternative media outfit Eastern Vista that is based in Tacloban—the area ravaged by typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013. She was arrested and detained since February 7, 2020, following a police raid on the media outfit’s office via search warrant for firearms and what many decried as planted evidence. She experienced surveillance and harassment days before her arrest. Her trial continues and she has been detained for 17 months now.

 

She is the second of three women journalists jailed so far during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. Two others have been released. All three are IAWRT Philippines members.

 

The first is Anne Krueger of alternative media outfit Panghimutad, raided by police in a similar fashion and whose search warrant only bore “yellow house” instead of a specific address mandated by the Constitution. She was among more than 50 activists, workers, peasant women arrested from October 30 to 31 in simultaneous police raids in search of guns and explosives. She was detained for 11 days, one of those days in the infamous overcrowded city jails in the country before she was allowed to post bail. Her trial continues.

 

The third is Lady Ann Salem, one of the now-called Human Rights Day 7, arrested on December 10, 2020. It was also the last day of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. She was arrested in a similar fashion and charges as Frenchie and Anne, and also the same judge as Anne issuing the search warrant against Manila Today’s home office during the pandemic. She is editor of the said digital publication and also communication officer of IAWRT, roles she resumed following her March 5, 2021 release from prison and February 5 case dismissal.  

 

Political prisoners, also called prisoners of conscience—imprisoned for their political activities, their affiliation, or beliefs but usually slapped with common crimes—are languishing in the overcrowded jails in the country during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

These numbers and these stories are some of those recounted in the literary folio and the book launch of “SaLoobin: Mga Akda ng/para sa Kababaihang Bilanggong Pulitikal.” The work is published by political prisoners’ kin group Kapatid and feminist publishing house Gantala Press.

 

The book launch was held on July 18, observed internationally as Nelson Mandela Day. Mandela was himself a pollical prisoner detained for 27 years.

 

The book is an almost women-only written collection of poems, stories, songs, and essays of political prisoners but also their supporters from outside the walls of the prison.

 

Philippine Senator Leila M. De Lima also contributed a poem “Pinay, Malaya at Nagpapasya.”

 

IAWRT continues to call on the release of Frenchie Mae Cumpio and the dismissal of charges against Anne Krueger.

 

The book is available at the online shopping app Shopee or Gantala Press’ online store.

IAWRT Nepal hosts webinar on mental well-being for journalists during the pandemic

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Women journalists face added challenges during COVID-19

Dr. Richa Amatya will speak on mental well-being for journalists during the pandemic.

She is an aspiring Consultant Psychiatrist at the Department of Psychiatry of Nepal Mediciti Hospital and Shree Birendra Army Hospital. She completed her MBBS from the

University of Science and Technology, Chittagnong, Bangladesh. She pursued her career as a Psychiatrist and completed her MD in Psychiatry from Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara. She worked as a Lecturer in Kathmandu University Hospital- Dhulikhel Hospital. She also has played a key role working as a Correctional Psychiatrist for the prison inmates at Dhulikhel Prison, Nepal.

The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns forced us to change our lives, shift to online work and education, practice social distancing, where we lost a lot of our physical activities and physical social interactions.

Covering the pandemic and covering during the pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of journalists.

Women journalists have also been under more pressure in the home or the workplace. They faced more pressure and expectations to run the household while also having to work, and also women in general became more vulnerable to domestic abuse during lockdown. In the workplace, many women journalists have been cut off assignments in streamlining staff for the lockdown and pandemic, while some are more vulnerable to the conflicts and hostilities during coverage at this very uncertain time of multiple crises—health, politics, food, climate, etc.

All IAWRT members are invited to join on July 18, 5pm Nepal time. Register for this virtual webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Dtql7CC4Rwy863R0VHgLYw

Read more of Dr. Richa’s work are some of her articles and interviews in media:

Stresses of Married Life
https://www.setopati.com/kinmel/medical/224098

Watch the talk here:

Generation Equality Forum concludes in Paris with $40 billion investments and 5-year plan to accelerate gender equality by 2026

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Forum to generate action for the rapid advancement of gender justice held from June 30 to July 2

 

The three-day Generation Equality Forum Paris concluded on July 2, announcing USD 40 billion of confirmed investments and the launch of a Global Acceleration Plan to advance gender equality by 2026.

 

UN Women said the monumental conclusion of the forum comes at a critical moment as the world assesses the disproportionate and negative impact that COVID-19 has had on women and girls. Gender equality advocates have pressed for gender-responsive stimulus and recovery plans to ensure that women and girls are not left behind as the world rebuilds.

 

The USD 40-billion investments confirmed at the Forum’s close was seen to represent a major step-change in resourcing for women’s and girls’ rights. Lack of financing was thought to be a major reason for slow progress in advancing gender equality and in enacting the women’s rights agenda of the milestone 1995 Beijing Conference.

 

The financial commitments that make up the USD 40 billion are as follows:

  • USD 21 billion in gender equality investments from governments and public sector institutions had committed
  • USD 13 billion from the private sector
  • USD 4.5 billion from Philanthropy
  • USD 1.3 billion from UN entities, international and regional organizations.

 

Many organizations made strong policy and program commitments, including 440 civil society organizations and 94 youth-led organizations. More are expected to make commitments over the next five years and follow in the footsteps of the approximately 1,000 commitment-makers confirmed to date.

 

“The Generation Equality Forum marks a positive, historic shift in power and perspective. Together we have mobilized across different sectors of society, from south to north, to become a formidable force, ready to open a new chapter in gender equality,” said Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women.

 

UN Women will play a critical role in overseeing the implementation of commitments to ensure accountability and progress over the next five years.

 

“By implementing a new way of tackling global issues through efficient multilateralism, the Generation Equality Forum reversed the priorities on the international agenda and made gender equality, for too long underestimated, a long-term issue for the international community, along with climate, education and health. France will continue to be at the forefront to accelerate gender equality progress,” Ambassador and Secretary-General of the Generation Equality Forum Delphine O said.

 

Speaking to mark the close of the Forum for the Government of France, the host of the Paris Forum, she said, “We succeeded in raising the largest amount of investment to advance gender equality and women’s rights ever.”

 

Some examples of a wide range of commitments from every sector:

  • The Government of Burkina Faso’s work with Benin, Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Togo to develop shared commitments related to family life education; free care for pregnant women and children under five years; and pursuing legal and social change to end gender-based violence, including FGM and child marriage
  • The United States Government’s commitment to a range of significant policies and investment requests including an investment of USD 1 billion to support programmes to end violence against women, and USD 175 million to prevent and respond to gender-based violence globally
  • The expansion of the Global Alliance for Care, initiated by the Government of Mexico and UN Women. This now includes over 39 countries; for example, the Government of Canada’s commitment of USD 100 million to address inequalities in the care economy globally, as a parallel to significant investment in its own care system
  • The Malala Fund’s commitment to provide at least USD 20 million in feminist funding to girls education activists
  • P&G’s commitment to advance women’s economic justice and rights through its global value chain by spending USD 10 billion with women-owned and women-led businesses through 2025
  • The Government of Bangladesh’s pledge to increase women’s participation in the ICT sector, including the tech start-up and e-commerce sector, to 25 per cent by 2026 and 50 per cent by 2041.
  • PayPal’s commitment of USD 100 million to advance women’s economic empowerment
  • Raise Your Voice Saint Lucia’s commitment to collaborate with Caribbean NGOs to advocate for the recognition of the LGBTQI+ community and to undertake region-wide legislative reform to minimize discrimination and victimization
  • Open Society Foundation’s commitment of at least USD 100 million over five years to fund feminist political mobilization and leadership

 

The Forum in Paris engaged nearly 50,000 people in a mainly virtual format.

 

Source: UN Women

‘Black People Don’t Get Depressed’ in Cannes Docs Spotlighted Projects

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Film director Sara Chitambo is a member of IAWRT South Africa chapter

The film ‘Black People Don’t Get Depressed’ directed by Sara Chitambo and produced by Cati Weinek is one of 16 Spotlighted Projects in Cannes Docs of the Marché du Film (Cannes Film Market).

 

This selection of projects in development was featured in online Co-Pro Speed Meetings on July 8.

 

The film is about a filmmaker despairing for mental peace goes through the unavoidable journey of facing her depression. She speaks to others about their mental health as Africans and undergoes practices that mark the ending of suffering. The characters in 3 countries have the commonality of difficult experiences, but also the desire to overcome. Images of transcendence are woven with poetry to build a rich observational film.

 

It has a running time of 80 minutes and is expected to be released in 2022.

 

Chitambo is a filmmaker and communication strategist. She holds a Master’s Degree in Documentary Film Production from Sussex University and has wide range of experience in television and film production.

 

The presentation of Chitambo’s film is one of four films curated by the International Emerging Film Talent Association to be part of Spotlighted Projects

 

The creators of Spotlighted Projects will meet with potential funders, co-producers, festival programmers and other key industry professionals to help make their work become a reality.

 

This year’s Marché du Film (Cannes Film Market) as well as Cannes Docs (online) runs from July 6 to 15. These are concurrent with the Cannes Film Festival (which ends on July 17).

 

 

 

 

IAWRT USA hosts talk on design technologies and policies for inclusive online expression

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Register in advance for this online discussion on July 23, 9 am Eastern time

The Generation Equality Forum in Paris has come to an end. But as has been said, reported, and reaffirmed, much needs to be done for gender equality 25 years after the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China in 1995.

 

With that in mind, the IAWRT-USA chapter and the Media Innovation Collaboratory are hosting a conversation with journalists, entrepreneurs, advocates, and historians titled “With Liberty and Inclusive Technologies for All.”

 

The internet is weaponized globally and thwarting many from sharing locally relevant and useful information and sharing stories from those communities. Unregulated and unaccountable social media corporations can summarily suspend or silence participants without any recourse, algorithms can drive or dry up the flow.

 

For women, online and physical attacks serve a double blow – to their private lives and to their professional mobility.

 

How might we build on the inter-generational knowledge and resilience of courageous women journalists like Ida B Wells, Kagure Gageche, and Lillian Van Der Goot to create safe and healing spaces for inclusive narratives?

 

The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Michelle Ferrier, Executive Director, Media Innovation Collaboratory, and founder of Trollbusters, a just-in-time service that helps journalists fight online abuse. Michelle can be reached at [email protected]

 

Panelists include Autumn Slaughter, Judy Gilbert, Shireen Mitchell, Marry Ferreira, and Gerd Inger Polden.

Autumn Slaughter is a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Candidate, Research Assistant for the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, The University of Tulsa. 

 

 

 

 

 

Judy Gilbert is a Zen priest and former Manager of International Production at Netscape.

 

 

 

Shireen Mitchell is the founder/senior strategist of Stop Online Violence Against Women and founder of Digital Sisters/as, the first organization to specifically focus on women and girls of color in technology and digital media. Mitchell can be reached @digitalsista on Twitter.

 

 

 

Marry Ferreira (she/her) is a Brazilian journalist and UN Youth Representative for IAWRT-USA. She holds a master’s degree in Public Media from Fordham University, New York, and is the co-founder of Kilomba Collective, the first collective to specifically focus on Black Brazilian immigrants women, and girls in the United States. Her Twitter is @Marry_Ferreira.

 

 

 

Gerd Inger Polden is a retired TV director, producer, and video journalist from the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) and former IAWRT Vice President of the International Board.

 

 

 

 

Ananya Chakraborti is a national award-winning documentary filmmaker and journalist, specializing in trafficking and other gender issues. She is also the Chairperson of the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights. 

 

 

 

 

 

Sara Chitambo is a filmmaker, community builder, and communications strategist based in Johannesburg. She currently works as a Communications consultant for UNFPA.

 

 

 

 

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