On October 31, 2024, VOICE organized a knowledge exchange meeting at its Civic Center, marking the first gathering under the project titled Collaborative Actions for Promoting Digital and Civic Space and Combating Gender Disinformation. The initiative, funded by the European Union and supported by Article 19 and Free Press Unlimited, aims to promote digital and civic spaces and address gender disinformation through collaborative efforts. The meeting brought together representatives from VOICE, the lead implementor and media partner, The Daily Ittefaq.
Ahmed Swapan Mahmud, Executive Director of VOICE, warmly welcomed the attendees, setting the tone for a collaborative effort. Musharrat Mahera, Deputy Director of VOICE, delivered a key presentation outlining the project’s objectives, planned activities, desired outcomes, and implementation strategies. Mahera’s presentation also provided an overview of the responsibilities designated for each partner organization throughout the one-year project duration.
A significant focus of the meeting was the exchange of insights between the teams of VOICE and The Daily Ittefaq. Journalists from The Daily Ittefaq contributed valuable perspectives on the current state of digital and civic space and the pervasive issue of gender disinformation. Their insights are set to inform the strategic approach and activities that will be undertaken to achieve the project’s goals.
The teams also discussed the division of responsibilities, establishing a clear roadmap for collaborative implementation over the next year. With defined roles and a shared vision, the meeting laid the groundwork for a coordinated response to the challenges of digital suppression, civic participation, and disinformation targeting gender issues.
This meeting is the first of four planned knowledge exchange sessions that will be held under the project’s umbrella, with each session designed to facilitate deeper collaboration, refine strategies, and assess progress. Through these sessions, the partners aim to build a stronger, more resilient digital and civic space and foster an environment that actively challenges gendered disinformation.
As VOICE, The Daily Ittefaq, Article 19, and Free Press Unlimited work together, their combined efforts reflect a commitment to addressing some of the most pressing issues in digital and civic space today, underscoring the importance of collective action in fostering inclusive, informed communities.