Capacity Building Training Workshop on Digital Safety and Security held on Wednesday 27 November 2024 by VOICE .
VOICE, a leading right-based organization focused on research and advocacy, hold a training workshop titled “Digital Safety and Security: Perspectives of Journalists and Women Human Rights Defenders” in SETU training centre in Mohammadpur in the capital on Wednesday 27 November 2024.
Participants, including journalists and women human rights defenders, gained access to technical resources, practical guidance, and professional insights aimed at addressing digital safety threats, identifying online vulnerabilities, and implementing preventive measures.
The interactive nature of the workshop enhanced participants' confidence in navigating the digital landscape, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to safeguard themselves and their information sources effectively.
VOICE has long been working with journalists and women human rights defenders and has expressed deep concern over the significant challenges they face in carrying out their professional responsibilities. Particular attention has been drawn to the safety of women in these fields, who are frequently targeted with online harassment, including cyberbullying, lawsuits, arrests, and detentions, especially during periods of authoritarian governance.
Ashraful Haque, a renowned digital safety and security specialist from EngageMedia, emphasized the importance of using encrypted communication tools for emails and messaging. He highlighted that these tools are crucial for journalists and rights activists to safeguard their sources and sensitive communications from hacking and surveillance. Additionally, he recommended using a VPN to conceal online activity, preventing malicious entities from tracking or intercepting data.
Rezwan Islam, a communications expert from EngageMedia, stated, “The rapid growth of online platforms has made it easier for perpetrators to target journalists and women human rights defenders with various forms of harassment, including threats, doxxing, trolling, and misinformation campaigns.”
Ahmed Swapan Mahmud, Executive Director of VOICE, emphasized that, “In today’s digital age, ensuring digital safety and security is crucial, particularly for journalists and women human rights defenders. Their work often involves sensitive investigations, explorations, and communications, making them vulnerable to threats such as surveillance, exploitation, and hacking.”
Musharrat Mahera, Deputy Director of VOICE, outlined the workshop’s objectives during her presentation. She highlighted that “Women journalists and defenders face a multitude of challenges, which have intensified with the rise of social media and online communication, often discouraging them from pursuing critical reporting or voicing their opinions on significant issues.” Journalists from renowned media outlets and women human rights defenders attended the workshop.
