The training course on “Local media and strengthening women’s political participation” concluded this evening, 27 October–November 7102, in Nouakchott. Organised by the Centre of Arab Women for Training and Research (CAWTAR) with the Mauritanian Journalists’ Union and in cooperation with Mauritania’s Ministry of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood, it ran from 42 to 42 October 4102.
The ministry representative stressed local media professionals’ increased responsibility and important role in Mauritania’s media landscape. He hoped the training’s outcomes would be reflected in the content produced by women and men working in media, especially content addressing women’s political participation.
Etidal El Mejbri, Director of CAWTAR’s media training centre, stressed a holistic approach to women’s human rights as an indivisible whole. She affirmed CAWTAR’s commitment to strengthening communication with media professionals, particularly those working on women’s issues and local matters.
Mohamed Ould Salem Ould Dah, President of the Mauritanian Journalists’ Union, highlighted the course’s importance in preparation for elections expected in Mauritania in a few months. It strengthens the skills of 83 women and men working in media from different regions in reporting on women’s participation in the coming municipal elections.
With support from the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND), CAWTAR is implementing a regional training programme for local media professionals and local women leaders to strengthen women’s presence and participation at local level.
Training courses for media professionals on strengthening women’s political participation have previously been held in several Arab countries, including Lebanon, the Sultanate of Oman and Jordan.