‘Towards New and Inclusive Narratives,’ a workshop on GBV and women’s political participation organized by the Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR) in collaboration with Strengthening Social Cohesion and Peace in Sri Lanka (SCOPE) will be held on 03 December 2024 at the Mount Lavinia Hotel.
There are deep-rooted structural barriers that prevent women’s political participation. Multiple forms of gender- based discrimination, violence against women including online harassment/ violence form part of the roadblocks that perpetuate patriarchy in political structures and exclude women’s entry. Active participation and continuity. This also denies women both their right to political participation and representation, in return, causing the systems to lose women’s contribution towards governance and policy formulation.
Media plays an influential role in shaping public opinion. Media can contribute towards greater awareness on the need to counter all forms of discrimination and gender-based violence (GBV) through the promotion of inclusive and alternate media narratives, while increasing women’s voices in the media and promoting greater opportunity for women’s engagement in politics.
The workshop intends to increase the understanding of GBV, structural barriers to women’s political participation and explore the role journalists can play in introducing inclusive and alternate media narratives.