By
Khairat Haji, Zanzibar:
In the heart of Zanzibar, ten passionate women
journalists gathered in a virtual space for a transformative two-day training
program led by Cecilia Maundu, a seasoned journalist and digital specialist. The
initiative, generously sponsored by Pen America, aimed to empower these
journalists with the essential skills needed to navigate the digital landscape
safely and effectively.
As the training commenced, Cecilia Maundu, with her
wealth of experience, immediately engaged the participants in an open
discussion about the challenges faced by journalists in the digital age. The
group quickly identified issues such as digital safety, protection of private
information, securing online accounts, and addressing attacks on social media
platforms.
Cecilia emphasized the importance of understanding
the digital landscape as a journalist and the need to safeguard one's privacy
in an interconnected world. She delved into practical strategies for protecting
personal and professional information, emphasizing the significance of strong
passwords, two-factor authentication, and encryption tools.
"In the realm of digital journalism, our safety
and the safety of our sources are paramount. We must learn not only to protect
ourselves but also to extend a helping hand to our colleagues facing digital
threats," Cecilia asserted, setting the tone for the training.
The participants were guided through interactive
sessions, where they learned how to identify and respond to online harassment
and attacks. Cecilia provided insights on recognizing phishing attempts,
securing social media accounts, and reporting abusive behavior on digital
platforms. The training sessions were not only informative but also fostered a
sense of camaraderie among the journalists.
During a poignant moment in the training, Cecilia
addressed the issue of inadequate digital laws. "In the realm of digital,
there is a problem of laws; still, the laws are not good," she declared.
She shed light on the need for comprehensive and updated legislation to protect
journalists in the digital space, ensuring that their rights were safeguarded
in the face of evolving online threats.
The journalists from Zanzibar were not just passive
learners; they actively engaged with the trainer, sharing their own experiences
and challenges. The virtual training room buzzed with discussions, and the
participants eagerly absorbed the knowledge imparted, gaining valuable insights
that would fortify their digital resilience.
RehemaMema is one of the participants in the
training, and she states that she has benefited the most by learning about
digital security issues. She emphasizes that she will make significant changes,
particularly in terms of having strong passwords.
"I am very grateful to have received this
training. Initially, my understanding of digital security issues was limited,
but now I have gained a broad understanding. I will be able to protect myself
and others from online harassment." said Nihifadhi Abdullah one of the
participants.
As the two-day training program concluded, the 10
women journalists of Zanzibar left with a newfound confidence and a deeper
understanding of the digital landscape. Cecilia Maundu's guidance and Pen
America's support had equipped them with the tools and knowledge needed to
navigate the challenges of the digital age, ensuring that they could continue
their journalistic pursuits with resilience and security. The ripple effect of
this training promised to strengthen not only the individual journalists but
also the journalistic community in Zanzibar as a whole.
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