PESHAWAR: Speakers at a workshop highlighted the role of women in the digital sphere, saying utilisation of social media by them would help in creating awareness and bringing meaningful change in the society.

The two-day training workshop on digital literacy was organised by Blue Veins in partnership with Aurat Foundation and UN Women under the project “Promoting rule of law, legal literacy and women’s access to justice in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”

The workshop was aimed at strengthening the role of young women and girls in the digital sphere and enhancing their understanding of women’s rights.

The programme targets young women and girls from Peshawar, Kohat, Swat, Mardan, Khyber, Kurram and Bajaur districts to equip them with vital skills for effectively using social media platforms.

“The power of social media in today’s digital world is undeniable. It serves as a vital tool to amplify voices, especially for those who have been traditionally marginalised,” said Sana Ahmad, the programme coordinator of Blue Veins.

She said that utilising social media to advocate for women’s rights not only helped to spread awareness but also had the potential to drive meaningful change. She added that it enabled individuals across the globe to come together, share experiences and advocate equality.

Ms Ahmad said that through clicks, shares and posts, every woman could become a powerful agent of change in her own right.

“The idea of digital literacy extends beyond just being able to use a computer. It means being able to leverage digital tools for social advocacy, to build networks and to drive change. These women and girls are now better equipped to do that.” said Shabina Ayaz, the regional head of Aurat Foundation.

Seema Rashid, a participant from Kurram district, said that she felt empowered and better equipped to use social media for raising awareness about women’s rights. “I now understand the legal procedures to seek justice. I am ready to share this knowledge with others in my community through digital channels,” she added.

Published in Dawn, June 26th, 2023