South Asia Center for Media in Development (SACMID) successfully organized an engaging workshop titled “Ethics, Gender Sensitivity & Digital Security: An Adda for Media Minds” at the Embassy Residence of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Dhaka.
The workshop was organized under the project “Empowering Media Professionals, Girl Students, and Community Women through an Improved Understanding of Digital Threats and Security Measures.” funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh.
This Adda was envisioned as an open and thought-provoking platform for media professionals to share insights and discuss the pressing challenges of ethics, gender sensitivity, and digital security in today’s evolving media landscape.
The session was facilitated by Nazia Afrin Monami, Adjunct Faculty at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) and Media Professional Expert, who guided a lively and reflective discussion among participants.
A diverse group of media practitioners and development professionals attended, including journalists, news presenters, sub-editors, content creators, and representatives from various development organizations.
Notable attendees included Cor Stouten, First Secretary, Political Affairs, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Namia Akhtar, Senior Policy Advisor for Political Affairs and Public Diplomacy, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Sheikh Sabiha Alam, Bureau Chief at AFP; Ishrat Jahan Urmi, Senior Reporter and Presenter at DBC News; Roksana Anzuman Nicole, Assistant Editor and Presenter at Jamuna TV; Sharafat Hussain, Head of Digital at Daily Ittefaq; Sara Fayruz Zaima and Nikita Nandini, both Freelance Presenters; Manzur Al Matin, Senior Presenter at Channel 24; Noor-A-Jannatul Ferdous, Senior Sub-editor at The Financial Express; and Swwarna Roy, Sub-editor at Deshkal. Representatives from Plan International Bangladesh and Jaago Foundation also participated and officials from SACMID also present.
Throughout the discussion, participants reflected on the ethical dilemmas they face in media practice, especially concerning the portrayal of women. They voiced concerns over how women journalists are often stereotyped and sexualized in mainstream media narratives.
The conversation further explored the lack of gender-sensitive organizational structures within newsrooms and the digital threats journalists especially women frequently encounter. Topics included online harassment, privacy concerns, and the urgent need for digital safety awareness among media professionals and content creators.
The Adda served as a vital space to foster mutual learning, solidarity, and the exchange of strategies to create a safer, more ethical, and gender-sensitive media environment in Bangladesh.