Author: The Bachchao Project Team

Empowering Digital Safety in Journalism: A Journey of Learning and taking the learnings forward

The field of journalism has seen dramatic shifts in recent years, with the digital landscape becoming an integral part of the profession. However, with this shift comes the pressing need for digital safety and security. As a journalist with experience in gender-integrated forums, I recognized the importance of creating safer digital environments for women and gender minorities in journalism. This journey led me to host a digital safety workshop as part of the Safe Sisters Fellowship program, and the experience was both enlightening and fulfilling.

Before embarking on this journey, I wanted the content to be directly relevant to digital safety for journalists, considering the needs and challenges they face daily. Interactive sessions and hands-on activities were crucial in my mind, as they make learning about digital safety practical and engaging. Creating a safe and inclusive environment was paramount, where participants could freely discuss their concerns and experiences without judgment. Additionally, I hoped the workshop would offer networking opportunities, enabling participants to connect with peers and mentors in the journalism community.

The training sessions exceeded my expectations in several ways. We covered a wide range of topics, including digital safety risks, practical skills for online protection, and recognising digital threats via phising. The training provided a comprehensive understanding of digital security, both for journalists and safeguarding their sources.

Among the topics covered during the training, two stood out as particularly valuable: password managers and phishing. Password managers are essential tools for keeping online accounts secure, and understanding how they work is crucial. Similarly, the session on phishing shed light on the importance of recognizing fraudulent attempts to steal sensitive information. These skills are not only useful for journalists but for anyone navigating the digital realm.

The success of the workshop was largely due to effective planning and execution, along with clear communication of expectations. One suggestion for future sessions is to increase visibility through social media and other channels to reach a wider audience.

It enhanced my knowledge and skills as a journalist. I learned the art of facilitating workshops, enabling me to host a platform for others to share and learn. Lastly, I extended this training to a network that holds personal and professional significance to me. Overall, it was a fulfilling journey that encompassed both personal and professional growth.

In today’s digital age, digital safety is a crucial aspect of journalism. The workshop reinforced the idea that when we create safe spaces for dialogue and knowledge sharing, we empower ourselves and our communities to navigate the digital landscape with confidence. It’s not just about learning but also about fulfilling a mission to make digital spaces safer for all.

As journalists, we have a responsibility not only to report the news but also to ensure our own safety and that of our peers. My experience in hosting a digital safety workshop has been a significant step in this direction, and I encourage everyone in the field to explore similar opportunities for growth, learning, and empowerment.

The Safe Sisters Fellowship program provided an invaluable platform for this journey. It allowed me to engage with like-minded individuals, share knowledge, and contribute to a safer digital world for journalists. While the program was highly rewarding, increasing visibility for fellows could be a future enhancement.

In conclusion, the journey of learning and fulfillment continues, and I plan to provide long-term support to participants and the community by maintaining open email threads and connecting them with relevant initiatives like The Bachchao Project. Together, we can build a safer and more secure digital world for all journalists and content creators.

The Safe Sisters Fellowship training was initially met with apprehension, as it appeared to be a complex endeavour in the realm of digital security mechanisms and tools. However, as the training progressed, it became more tailored to the participants’ needs, even covering fundamental tools.

From the outset of the fellowship, discussions about the Safe Sisters Fellowship were initiated within the group, allowing them to become familiar with the program. When the training planning phase commenced following the Needs Assessment, the participants were well-prepared. It’s worth noting that each participant had slightly different interests and expectations, but their awareness of the planning process helped them prepare effectively for the training.

The participants in this fellowship belong to a team at Metei Society, an organization in Manipur led by women, queer, and trans individuals, with a focus on gender and sexual minorities. The success of the training became evident through the enthusiasm displayed by the participants and their expressed interest in future sessions.

One remarkable aspect of this success story is that the participants had limited access to high-end, fully functional devices. Instead, they owned modestly priced, old, and used phones. Despite this limitation, their commitment to learning and building their digital skills was unwavering.

What stands out the most in this entire experience is the participants’ proactive request for further training sessions to enhance their technical and digital skills. This eagerness to learn demonstrates their dedication to improving their work skills and the impact they can make through Metei Society. For this, full day workshops which delve deeper into each topic addressed and trained by experts are ideally required in an environment of inclusive and affirmative workshop space and facilitation.

The customized nature of the training played a significant role in its success. By tailoring the content to meet the specific needs and interests of the participants, the training became more engaging and relevant. This approach also ensured that participants could immediately apply what they learned to their work at Metei Society.

Furthermore, the collaborative nature of the training planning, where the group was involved from the beginning, fostered a sense of ownership and commitment among the participants. They were not passive recipients of training; they were active contributors to the process.

The fact that this success story originates from a women, queer, and trans-led organization is significant. It highlights the importance of inclusive and diverse participation in digital capacity-

building initiatives. It demonstrates that regardless of background or access to resources, individuals are eager to acquire the skills necessary to navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively.

The enthusiasm displayed by the participants serves as a testament to the impact of the Safe Sisters Fellowship. It not only empowered them with digital skills but also ignited a desire for continuous learning and growth. This success story serves as a model for how such initiatives can have a lasting impact on individuals and organizations striving for positive change in their communities.

In conclusion, the successful Safe Sisters Fellowship training exemplifies the transformative power of customized, collaborative, and inclusive digital capacity-building programs. It underscores the resilience and determination of individuals, even in the face of limited resources, to acquire the skills needed to advance their mission and create a positive impact in their community. This success story is a beacon of inspiration for future initiatives aiming to empower marginalized and underrepresented groups in the digital age.