Nukus Hosts Media Club on Gender Literacy, Focusing on Climate Change Impact and Misinformation
Nukus, Uzbekistan, February 17, 2025 – A crucial dialogue on the intersection of gender and climate change unfolded today in Nukus at a Media Club meeting organized under the "EU Tabassum (Smile): Media Skills for Promoting Gender Equality and Empowering Young Women in Uzbekistan" project. This initiative, spearheaded by DW Akademie in partnership with the Modern Journalism Development Center (MJDC), is funded by the European Union (EU) and co-financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The event brought together journalists, bloggers, NGO representatives, and experts to address the pressing challenges of climate change’s disproportionate impact on women, the pervasive spread of misinformation, and the urgent need to dismantle harmful gender stereotypes. The Media Club served as a platform to amplify the voices of those most affected and to explore effective strategies for media engagement on these critical issues.
Senator Oral Ataniyazova addressed the attendees, underscoring the vital role of objective reporting in highlighting the real-world consequences of environmental crises. She cited the Aral Sea tragedy as a stark example of how environmental devastation exacerbates social inequalities, placing an especially heavy burden on women. "The Aral Sea tragedy vividly demonstrates the profound impact of environmental disasters on the social fabric," Senator Ataniyazova stated. "Women in the affected regions bear the brunt of the crisis, facing deteriorating health, reproductive complications, and struggles with basic hygiene and sanitation due to water scarcity – all of which severely diminish their quality of life. Journalists have a crucial responsibility to report on these realities, compelling society and authorities to take decisive action."
The Media Club meeting was structured around three key discussion areas: 1) Coverage of Climate Change in the Media, 2) Misinformation about Climate Change, and 3) Gender Aspects of Climate Change. The first session showcased examples of successful media campaigns and explored the power of journalism to shape the environmental agenda. The second session delved into the pervasive issue of misinformation, analyzing common myths and fake news surrounding climate change and strategizing methods to combat their spread. Finally, the third session focused on the complex interplay between gender and climate change, examining how climate-related challenges exacerbate existing gender inequalities and exploring proactive initiatives to mitigate these disparities.
The Media Club meeting followed a two-day training session titled "Journalism of Equality: Gender and Climate Challenges," also held in Nukus on February 17-18. This training equipped journalists with the knowledge and skills to effectively report on the intersection of gender and environmental issues. Participants explored the complex взаимосвязь between these two areas and gained practical experience in crafting compelling narratives that shed light on the human stories at the heart of the climate crisis. The training emphasized the importance of nuanced reporting that captures the differentiated impacts of climate change and empowers women as agents of change within their communities.
Kumar Bekniyazova, Associate Professor at the Karakalpak State University, highlighted the critical role of the media in shaping public discourse. "The media community is pivotal in creating an objective information landscape," she explained. "It is not enough to simply identify and debunk misinformation. We must actively work to ensure that gender and environmental issues receive fair, accurate, and comprehensive coverage across all media platforms." This sentiment resonated throughout the discussions, underscoring the importance of media literacy and responsible reporting in fostering informed public engagement and driving meaningful change.
The "EU Tabassum (Smile)" project has ambitious plans to extend its reach throughout Uzbekistan. Media clubs and training sessions will be organized in cities across the country, fostering a national conversation on gender equality, climate change, and the fight against misinformation. By engaging a broad spectrum of journalists, bloggers, and activists, the project aims to empower local communities to become informed advocates for a more just and sustainable future. This nationwide approach reflects a commitment to inclusivity and recognizes the importance of local perspectives in addressing the complex challenges of climate change and gender inequality. The project’s emphasis on empowering young women underscores the vital role they play in driving positive social and environmental change.