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.