Empowering Voices: AWJF and Gauhati University Unite for Climate Change Training

Guwahati: On September 19, the Assam Women Journalists’ Forum (AWJF) partnered with the Department of Communication and Journalism at Gauhati University to conduct a groundbreaking training session titled “Reporting Climate Change and Gender.” This initiative emerges as climate change increasingly impacts Northeast India, particularly Assam, with severe flooding and seismic activity threatening local communities.

The training emphasized the unique skills required for effective reporting on climate-related issues, particularly as they intersect with gender. Dr. Bharati Bharali, Assistant Professor at Gauhati University, praised the collaboration and the opportunity it presented for journalists to enhance their expertise. AWJF president and PTI Bureau Chief Durba Ghosh opened the session with an overview of the forum’s objectives, highlighting the need for increased representation of women in editorial roles within Assam’s mainstream media.

Ghosh pointed out the absence of female editors in the region and expressed hope for significant change in the next decade. The program also featured contributions from notable figures such as Jayantakrishna Sarmah, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, and Dhrubajyoti Saharia, Secretary of University Classes, who provided insights into the importance of gender-sensitive journalism.

Resource persons at the session shared their experiences, focusing on how local communities are grappling with climate change and adapting to its effects. Senior journalists Mubina Akhtar and Ratna Bharali discussed landmark stories that illustrate the impact of climate change on livelihoods in Assam. Akhtar highlighted the threats posed to Assam’s iconic Muga silk, while Bharali explored recent displacement cases that underscore the socio-economic challenges faced by rural populations.

Bharali emphasized that while women often lack access to local resources, they demonstrate effective adaptation strategies in response to climate challenges. This insight is crucial for journalists seeking to represent women’s perspectives in their reporting.

AWJF vice president and news editor of Dainik Agradoot, Samim Sultana, addressed the issue of pay equity in journalism, advocating for equal remuneration for women. She called for a stronger commitment to gender-sensitive reporting practices in newsrooms, ensuring that women’s stories and experiences are adequately represented.

The session also included presentations from independent journalists Angana Chakraborty and Chandrani Sinha, who reinforced the importance of integrating gender perspectives in climate journalism.

This training initiative marks a significant step by the AWJF in bridging the gap between academic training and real-world journalism, equipping students and emerging journalists with the tools to tackle contemporary reporting challenges. The diverse expertise of the resource persons, including seasoned journalists recognized for their work on Northeast India’s environmental and gender issues, provided invaluable context and guidance.

The AWJF, a network dedicated to supporting women media professionals in Assam, aims to empower its members while mentoring the next generation of journalists. By fostering a collaborative environment for skill development, the forum strives to create a more inclusive media landscape that prioritizes both climate and gender issues in reporting.