Digital Storytelling Workshop Shaping Media Narratives on Gender Equality
Hacettepe University’s Faculty of Communication hosted a remarkable Digital Storytelling Workshop, part of a strategic initiative supported by UN Women and funded by the European Union. This innovative event was organized in collaboration with the Gender Equality Monitoring Association (CEID), Tandans Data Science Consulting, and Dissensus Research, under the banner of the “Strong Civil Space for Gender Equality” project.
Crafting Stories with Impact
Over the course of two days, media professionals from Ankara, Adana, and Istanbul, who had previously participated in the “Modular Training Program on Gender Data and Statistics,” came together to delve into the relationship between media narratives and gender data. The workshop provided a platform for these journalists, all seasoned in data journalism and rights-based reporting, to refine their skills in integrating gender perspectives into their storytelling. Through shared experiences in the Story Circle, followed by individual creative sessions involving text creation, audio recordings, and visual production, participants crafted compelling digital stories that highlighted gender issues.
Enriching Media Activities
The workshop served not only as a training ground but also as a showcase of the potent role media can play in gender equality movements. The final presentations, a culmination of the participants’ hard work, were enriched with personal insights and professional expertise, reflecting the transformative power of media when combined with informed and sensitive handling of gender data.
By the end of the workshop, participants had not only developed individual digital stories but had also contributed to a collective narrative about the crucial role of media in advocating for gender equality. This initiative exemplifies how targeted training and collaboration among specialized organizations can enhance the impact of media on social change.
