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By Christophe Uwizeyimana
The Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Rwanda Chapter in collaboration with Alliance for Science-Rwanda are conducting a 5-day workshop on the Capacity Development and Engagement of Women in Media and Agriculture Communication in Rwanda.
Agriculture stands as the backbone of Rwanda’s economy, employing a substantial portion of the workforce, predominantly women. These women are not just the backbone of primary production in agriculture but also the key to influencing its future direction. Despite their significant contribution, there exists a gap in effectively communicating the advances and benefits of agricultural biotechnology to this demographic, which could enhance their productivity and livelihoods.
This workshop which is taking place at Musanze district aims to:
- Empower female media professionals with the knowledge and skills to report accurately and effectively on agricultural biotechnology.
- Develop a cadre of women communicators who can engage with and educate female farmers and agricultural workers about the benefits of biotechnology, fostering a more inclusive and informed agricultural community.
- Create a network of media experts specializing in ag-biotech stories, fostering a community of practice.
- Share experiences and best practices from award-winning journalists to inspire and guide participants.
- Promote accurate, informed, and positive media coverage of agricultural biotechnology, contributing to public understanding and acceptance.
This crucial workshop which is conducted from 1st to 6th April 2024 , has been attended by 35 women who are engaged in Journalism and Agriculture across the country. Briefly has the main purpose of empowering women in agribusiness, media professionals, developing a cadre of women communicators to accurately report on agricultural biotechnology, educating female farmers and agricultural workers about its benefits, fostering inclusivity and knowledge within the agricultural community.
It’s is expected to create a ripple effect, starting with the trained communicators who will educate and inform other women in the agricultural sector. By doing so, it not only promoting gender equality in agricultural media representation but also to ensure that women at the grassroots level are empowered with knowledge about biotechnological advancements, ultimately leading to sustainable agricultural development and improved livelihoods in Rwanda.
The “Women in Media and Agriculture Communication” workshop by OFAB Rwanda Chapter is a step towards bridging the gender gap in agricultural biotechnology communication. By equipping women media professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge, we can ensure a more inclusive, informed, and sustainable future for agriculture in Rwanda.
This OFAB Rwanda Chapter’s workshop represents a strategic effort to empower women with the knowledge and skills necessary to report effectively on agricultural biotechnology. By creating a network of informed media experts, Also OFAB aims to enhance public engagement and foster a more informed dialogue on biotechnology’s role in ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural practices.
The Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) has been at the forefront of fostering informed discussions and enhancing public understanding regarding agricultural biotechnology. Recognizing the critical role of media in shaping public perception, OFAB proposes a unique workshop aimed at creating a network of local media experts proficient in reporting on agricultural biotechnology stories.
Despite significant advancements in agricultural biotechnology across Africa, public apprehension and misinformation persist. This is partly due to a lack of specialized knowledge among people on these topics. In response, OFAB, in collaboration with Alliance for Science and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and other stakeholders, has initiated a series of workshops designed to bridge this knowledge gap.
Dr.Athanase Nduwumuremyi talking about Engagement of ‘Women in Media and Agriculture Communication’//Interview-Kinyarwanda:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH6wOBF6jqQ
Read related Article here:https://theforefrontmagazine.com/ofab-rwanda-is-empowering-journalists-in-science-reporting-through-capacity-building/
Day 1 Workshop’s Photos:
Photo: Ndizeye Gisele from OFAB Rwanda Chapter has introduced and opened the Workshop by giving warm remarks
Photo: Gisele also has presented the main purpose of ”Capacity Development and Engagement of Women in Media and Agriculture Communication Workshop”
Photo: The Attendees, at the beginning have shared their expectations in the Workshop to improve the knowledge
Photo: Nshimiyimana Pacifique who represents Alliance for Science in Rwanda is among facilitators of the Workshop who will share more about Biotech Crops Adaptation
Photo:Jean Claude Habimana has share knowledge on ‘Understanding key fact-checking practices to identify Misinformation and Disinformation in Media
Photo: Developing a cadre of women communicators who can engage with, educating female farmers and agricultural workers about the benefits of biotechnology will foster the inclusivity and informed agricultural community
This Article is being Updated !
Other Workshop’s Photos:
Photo: Dr.Athanase Nduwumuremyi OFAB Rwanda Chapter Chairperson
Day 2 of the Workshop
Pacifique Nshimiyimana shared the attendees situation of Global and EU Market deal for GMO products
Photo:Image of Global and EU Market deal for GMO products
Photo:Everyone got the time to share her though
Photo: With knowledge sharing session, they focused on the application of biotechnology to enhance Agricultural productivity
Photo: Women expressed theie feelings on Agriculture Biotechnology
Photo: Everyone has the curiosity of knowing more on GMOs
Photo: Women were happy to attend the training
Photo: Empowering Women who are in Media and Agriculture with the knowledge and skills will help them to engage, report accurately and effectively on Agricultural Biotechnology
Photo:Ndizeye Gisele-OFAB said:” Women, You are capable and remember that you have the responsibilities of building our country”
Photo: In his closing remarks, Dr.Athanase Nduwumuremyi in OFAB Women Workshop, encouraged those who are engaged in Media and Agriculture to take action and contribute in Agriculture Biotechnology for a better Future of a Farmer and a Consumer
