Four Honoured for Promoting Gender-Sensitive Digital Content

Three content creators and one influencer have been honoured under the ‘Youth for Equality: Somotay Tarunno’ project, jointly implemented by JAAGO Foundation Trust and Plan International Bangladesh with support from the Embassy of the Netherlands in Dhaka.

In the ‘Emerging Voice on Social Media in Gender Advocacy’ category, Md Noor E Alam and Erin Akhtar received awards, while a special creativity recognition went to Murshidul Alam Bhuiya. Karina Kaiser was honoured as ‘Gender Sensitive Influencer of the Year’.

The awardees regularly create digital content across various social media platforms focusing on positive gender narratives, addressing stereotypes, and raising awareness on women’s safety, rights, and social issues.

The recognitions were presented at the ‘Gender Sensitive Content Award 2025’ ceremony held on Wednesday night, 10 December, at Aloki Convention Centre in Dhaka.

The event was presided over by Korvi Rakshand, Founder and Executive Director of JAAGO Foundation Trust. M A Aker, Director (Administration) of the Department of Youth Development, attended as the chief guest. Special guests included Bart Essing, Financial Adviser at the Embassy of the Netherlands; Kazi Mokhlesur Rahman, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports; and Mahin Chowdhury, Director (Programme) at Plan International Bangladesh.

Highlighting the importance of digital responsibility among youth, chief guest M A Aker said:
“Today’s youth are the digital leaders of this era. If they spread messages of respect, equality and ethics, the online space will change. The Department of Youth Development fully supports initiatives that strengthen young people’s creativity and moral values.”

Bart Essing of the Netherlands Embassy said:
“Media can build or break societies. Young people’s participation is crucial in Bangladesh’s journey towards gender equality and human rights. This recognition is for those who are making the digital space more inclusive through their positive voices.”

Mahin Chowdhury of Plan International Bangladesh stated:
“This award is not just recognition of talent — it is part of a movement to break stereotypes. We want every young girl in Bangladesh to grow up in an online environment that is safe, respectful and free from discrimination.”

Korvi Rakshand of JAAGO Foundation Trust said:
“A smartphone in the hands of a young person can bring remarkable change. Those who speak boldly against discrimination and tell stories of equality and respect are the real changemakers. Today’s recognition is for those who choose ethics over likes, shares and followers.”

Speakers emphasized the role of digital content in establishing gender equality and highlighted the leadership of young creators in driving social change. Representatives of various government and private institutions presented the awards to the winners.

Marking the International Campaign for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2025, members of Bhairabi Cultural Organization performed a play, followed by musical performances by artist Shabota.

Under the four-year ‘Youth for Equality’ project, 156 emerging digital content creators across all eight divisions of Bangladesh have been trained in gender sensitivity, leadership, ethical storytelling and responsible digital behaviour. The initiative aims to empower young people as drivers of social change and foster a safe, just and inclusive digital ecosystem in Bangladesh.

DBTech/MSR/EK/OR