In Dushanbe on May 3, the first Central Asian Conference of Women Journalists "Women in Media in a Changing World" took place, dedicated to World Press Freedom Day.
The conference was organized by the National Coalition of Women Journalists of Tajikistan, the OSCE Program Office in Dushanbe, and the European Union Representation in Dushanbe.
Around 80 people, including media representatives from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan (online), as well as international and diplomatic corps and media, participated in the event.
Participants noted that the situation with media freedom in Central Asia raises concerns among journalists, civil society, and legal organizations. On the other hand, Tajikistan and the EU intend to provide assistance and support in establishing press departments in ministries. This could help create legislative frameworks for the media and provide favorable conditions for their activities, as highlighted by Raimundas Karoblis, the head of the EU Representation in Tajikistan.
The conference consisted of three panel discussions where participants discussed the gender agenda of the media, the importance of media literacy, and the role of digital technologies in changing basic rights and ethical norms.
Female participants presented interesting projects, shared ideas, experiences, and different ways to address common issues. Women journalists from Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan (online) signed a Memorandum on the establishment of the Central Asian Coalition of Women Journalists. Women journalists from all Central Asian countries can join in a personal capacity, as well as media and media organizations.
Many interesting thoughts and useful suggestions were voiced during the event. According to the organizer of the conference, the head of the National Coalition of Women Journalists of Tajikistan Gulnora Amirshoyeva, women adapt better to the difficulties and crises facing Tajik media in recent years.
According to Gulim Amirhanova, a media expert from Almaty (Kazakhstan), today the media are losing their significance. Only in serious situations does the audience turn to the media, knowing that they will explain everything. But in less stressful situations, the media seem to be less in demand. This is due to censorship, self-censorship, commercialization, etc.
During the conference, US Ambassador Manuel Micallef once again called on the Tajikistan government to release imprisoned journalists Daler Imomali, Abdullo Gurbati, Zavkibek Saidamini, Abdusattor Pirmukhammadzoda, Khurshed Fozilov, Khushom Gulom, and Ulfathonim Mamadshoeva.
The event concluded with the awarding of winners by the National Coalition of Women Journalists of Tajikistan. Awards were given in three categories - for the best radio materials, video materials, and best publications in online editions.
- For the best radio material, Dilafruzhon Rasuli (Radio Sughd) received the third place. There were no other places in this category.
- The third place for the best video material was awarded to Saida Rahimova (Jakhonnamo), the second place was shared by Farzona Murodi and Farzona Shamsieva. There was no first place in this category.
- For the best publications in online editions, the third place was taken by Nodira Sobirzod (for materials for Your.tj) and Mehrangiz Sultanzoda. The second places were awarded to Mavzuna Muhammadali and Aliya Khamidullina. The first place in this category was given to Mehrangiz Tursunzoda (Your.tj).
For the first time this year, an award was given for contribution to the development of independent journalism in Central Asia. It was received by Jamilya Maricheva from Kazakhstan.
The main award of the competition - the Buriniso Berdieva Journalism Development Award - was given to the chief editor of the online edition Your.tj, Zebo Tajibaeva.
