Safety Workshop for Female Journalists in the Philippines

March 19, 2013

Safety Workshop for Female Journalists in the Philippines

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) congratulates its affiliate the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) for completing successfully its first all-women safety training for journalists last Sunday, March 17.

A total of 23 female journalists from print, radio and TV outfits based in Mindanao and Manila attended the two-day training held in Cagayan de Oro City, which was conducted to coincide with International Women's Month.

Sessions included lectures and simulations on how to respond to dangerous situations including abduction, hostile situations and surveillance. Other sessions focussed on identifying risks in the workplace and in the field self- defense , and on dealing with stress and trauma. The NUJP Media Safety Office plans to schedule women oriented safety trainings in Manila and in other areas in the coming months.

‘We welcome any initiative that supports and protects women journalists. Women are joining the field of journalism in increasing numbers and are facing unique challenges both within the workplace and in the field”, said IFJ Asia Pacific Director Jacqueline Park. “Training that provides techniques to address these will help to ensure that all journalists are able to fulfil their democratic function.”

The IFJ Asia Pacific Office is focussing on the support of women journalists throughout the Asia Pacific this year with a series of workshops and conferences that address the specific priorities ad challenges faced by women journalists throughout the region.

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 131 countries

Find the IFJ on Twitter: @ifjasiapacific

Find the IFJ on Facebook: www.facebook.com/IFJAsiaPacific

ENDS

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