Training Announcement: Ageing and Ageism for Media Professionals in Islamabad

Background: With the world’s population undergoing a significant demographic shift, the number of older people is steadily increasing—a phenomenon known as population ageing. This shift has broad social, economic, and cultural implications. Unfortunately, ageism, or discrimination based on age, continues to be a widespread issue. The media, including social media platforms, plays a critical role in shaping how society perceives older people. To ensure a positive and inclusive portrayal of older people, it is crucial to sensitize media professionals to these issues.

HelpAge International and its network member in Pakistan (Foundation for Ageing and Inclusive Development) is organizing a one-day workshop to raise awareness about the challenges, contributions, and needs of older people while addressing the harmful effects of ageism. This workshop will also advocate for legal framework and raising awareness of existing laws, including ICT Senior Citizens Act 2021.

Objective: The workshop aims to equip media professionals—including journalists, bloggers, editors, content creators, and social media influencers—with the knowledge and tools to create inclusive content that accurately reflects the realities of older people. By engaging a renowned journalist from Islamabad to facilitate a session, we aim to attract a wider audience of relevant media professionals.

Target Audience:

• Social media influencers
• Experienced Journalists
• Bloggers
• Editors
• Content creators

Key Topics:

1. Understanding Ageing:

• Demographic trends and the growing proportion of older people
• Biological, psychological, and social aspects of ageing
• Contributions of older people to society
• Global and regional trends in population ageing
• Economic, social, and healthcare implications
• Policy responses to population ageing
• Definition and forms of ageism
• The impact of ageism on individuals and society
• Strategies to combat ageism in media representations
• The influence of media in shaping public perceptions
• Best practices for inclusive and respectful portrayals of older people
• Case studies and examples of positive media representations
• Do’s & Don’ts in reporting

2. Population Ageing:

3. Ageism:

4. Media’s Role:

Workshop Structure:

• Introduction and Overview: A brief introduction to the workshop’s objectives and agenda.
• Expert Presentations: Sessions by experts in ageing, demography, and media studies.
• Interactive Discussions: Group discussions and Q&A to foster engagement.
• Action Planning: Participants will be tasked with creating content, blogs, or news packages based on what they have learned.

Expected Outcomes:

• Increased awareness and understanding of ageing and ageism among media professionals.
• Enhanced skills in producing inclusive, respectful media content about older people.
• A network of media professionals committed to combating ageism.
• Substantial media content created on various platforms.

Call to Action: If you are a journalist covering parliamentary reporting or human rights, content creators social issues, or media professionals eager to make a difference in how older people are represented in the media, this training is for you! Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills, engage with experts, and contribute to a more inclusive society. Apply now and be part of the movement to combat ageism and promote positive, respectful portrayals of older people.

Action Plan:

Following the workshop, media professionals will be encouraged to apply the knowledge and skills gained by developing content related to ageing and combating ageism. This action plan will ensure that the training translates into tangible results across various media platforms.

1. Content Development:
• Participants will create and publish content that reflects a positive and inclusive portrayal of older people. This could include:

• News articles or reports highlighting older people's contributions and challenges.
• Blogs or opinion pieces addressing the issue of ageism.
• Short videos or interviews with older people showcasing their experiences and wisdom.
• Social media posts and campaigns that promote respect and inclusion for older generations.
• Participants will be grouped into teams to collaborate on content creation, share ideas, and receive feedback from training facilitators.
• Expert mentors will provide guidance to ensure accuracy, ethical representation, and impact in the media content produced.
• HelpAge International and FAID Pakistan will monitor the media outputs created by participants and highlight exemplary work through their platforms or partner channels.
• A WhatsApp group or email chain will be created for continuous communication among participants, enabling networking, sharing updates, and collaborative opportunities for future projects.
• Media professionals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to inclusive reporting will be featured in newsletters or future HelpAge International & FAID campaigns.
• Certificates will be awarded to participants at the end of training.
• IEC Material bags will be provided to participants.
• No TA/DA is admissible

2. Collaboration & Mentorship:

3. Follow-Up and Monitoring:

4. Network Building:

5. Recognition and Incentive:

Interested journalists and media professionals are encouraged to apply. Interested applicants can send their resume/CV at the below mentioned email.

[email protected]