Advocating Women’s Rights through Mobile Storytelling

In a fusion of technology, governance, and advocacy, the Centre for Media and Information Literacy (CMIL) orchestrated the MoJo for Governance Story Summit recently in Galle. This transformative event convened Government bodies, NGO representatives, advocates, and women’s rights activists in a collective effort to confront and find solutions for the pervasive issues surrounding women’s rights. What set this summit apart was its revolutionary emphasis on leveraging Mobile Journalism (MoJo) to amplify women’s voices and communicate powerful messages resonating globally.

Timed strategically to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the summit served as a dynamic platform for meaningful dialogue and collaborative action.

The summit’s central theme revolved around advocating Women’s Rights through Mobile Storytelling, exploring the role of mobile storytelling in shaping narratives, challenging societal norms, and promoting gender equality. Thought-provoking sessions facilitated engaging discussions that delved into the multifaceted aspects of women’s rights.

MoJo stories presented during the summit covered a spectrum of women’s rights issues, including Gender-Based Violence, educational rights, nutritious diet concerns, estate workers’ issues, minimal female representation in politics, and challenges faced by transgender non-binary females. The diverse range of topics underscored the power of mobile storytelling in shedding light on crucial issues affecting women.

Government bodies actively engaged in discussions, recognizing the imperative need for collaboration between the public and private sectors to bring about meaningful change. Divisional Secretary Gonapinuwala M. M. M. Shafraas praised MoJo’s effectiveness in communicating complex topics to society due to its easy accessibility.

Renuka Perera from the National Integration Office emphasized the need for sex education, citing instances of young girls facing challenges due to ignorance.

The summit also addressed local issues, with officials highlighting the need for safe resting areas for students and women in the Matara District. Participants who created MoJo stories addressing these concerns were commended, emphasizing the tangible impact of mobile storytelling.

Media professionals and journalists expressed the necessity to empower young girls in MoJo storytelling, urging NGOs and Government Bodies to provide platforms for their voices. Women’s rights activists shared personal narratives, stressing the urgency of addressing systemic challenges. Habaraduwa Development Foundation Chairman Dr. Wimal Dissanayaka commended participants for bringing women’s rights violations to light through mobile storytelling, acknowledging its resonance across digital platforms.

The summit concluded with a resounding call to action, urging participants and guests to carry the momentum forward. The commitment to utilizing MoJo for governance and advocacy purposes was echoed in the creation of a collaborative framework, fostering ongoing dialogue and partnerships between Government bodies, NGOs, and activists.

The programme was supported by the U. S. Embassy in Colombo, under its small and mighty grants programme managed by Sri Lanka Unites.

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