Online access and digital media literacy have become essential elements both in professional and personal situations, especially for the younger generations who mainly communicate and identify themselves through online media networks.
In 2021, 93.5% of Thai population aged 15 to 24 used the Internet, while only 17% of school-aged population between 15 to 19 used the Internet for e-learning activities or online courses. As women are both under-represented and misrepresented in the Thai digital landscape, they risk a higher degree of online discrimination, violence and harassment. Additionally, the lack of supportive policy frameworks in Southeast Asian countries hinders the professional development of women in the digital economy. Initiatives are therefore needed to encourage and empower young women to engage with digital tools and platforms as well as simultaneously build stronger online presence and influence. Their participation in shaping the digital environment can contribute to the development of safer and more open digital spaces for other women and marginalized groups.
In this context and on the occasion of the Girls in ICT Day 2022 initiated by International Telecommunication Union (ITU), UNESCO Bangkok Office will organize a two-hour training in collaboration with Wikimedia Thailand (WMTH) to build the social awareness and technical capacity of 30-40 students from Mahidol University International College (MUIC) in Bangkok, Thailand.
Objectives and Learning Outcomes
The training aims to raise awareness on women’s rights and encourage women’s equal participation and representation online especially in relation to media contents, while stimulating their interest toward ICT and digital tools/platforms.
Participants will:
- develop the ability to identify and analyze issues relating to gender divide, women’s rights online and digital access and safety through presentations and interactive discussions;
- acquire new technical skills and mindset on gender equality by learning the process behind Wikipedia editing and using Wiki tools.
Date and location
Place: The training will be held online via Zoom – facilitation by Mahidol University.
Date: Thursday, 9th of June 2022 | 14:00 pm – 15:50 pm (GMT +7 Bangkok)
Language: English
Participants
30 students of ICGN129 Programming for Problem Solving, MUIC, and additional 5-30 students from MUIC Sigma Club. The registration will be managed by MUIC
Schedule
14:00-14:10 – Opening
- Moderator: Mr Tanapat Sathapornsermsuk, Program coordinator, WMTH
- Dr Kritya Bunchongchit, Instructor of ICGN129 Programming for Problem Solving
- Ms Sopanant Datta, MUIC Sigma Club’s President
14:10-14:15 -Speech by the Swedish Embassy in Thailand
- Ms Lina Eidmark, Political Counsellor, Embassy of Sweden
14:20-14:50 – Introduction by UNESCO followed by an interactive discussion and presentation on digital transformation and the engagement of women in the digital space
- Ms Sali Sasaki, Advisor for Communication and Information at UNESCO Bangkok
14:50-15:20 – WMTH Activity 1: The Wikipedia Adventure (with an aim to introduce Wikipedia editing and cyberbullying)
- Ms Prangmilint Montriwat, Senior coordinator, WMTH
15:20-15:40 – WMTH Activity 2: The Wiki Game (customized using articles relating to feminism)
- Ms Piyathida Tawornparcha, Training facilitator, WMTH
- Mr Ganchai Siriwatcharapaibool, Technical facilitator, WMTH
15:40-15:50 – Wrapping Up and Closing
- Ms Sali Sasaki
- Dr Kritya Bunchongchit