The importance of media literacy continues to be highlighted in today's technology-driven world. This issue is not limited to developed nations; countries like Bangladesh are also becoming increasingly aware of its significance. Events like the July Mass Uprising and this year’s devastating floods demonstrated how quickly rumors can spread, often outpacing verified news. A major contributor to this problem is the habit of sharing information without proper fact-checking.

Recognizing this challenge, Voice for Voiceless24 has been actively working to promote media literacy and combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Last month, the organization conducted its first workshop at Stamford University Bangladesh. This day-long training session was divided into three segments, each focusing on a crucial aspect of media awareness. The first session, titled "Storytelling," was led by Shekh Mohiuddin Mohu, a reporter and news presenter at Jamuna TV. This segment focused on storytelling techniques for social media, teaching participants effective ways to share and express ideas.

The second session, "Media Advocacy," was conducted by Samiya Asadi, an assistant professor at Stamford University Bangladesh. This interactive workshop explored advertising strategies, advocacy principles, and related concepts, providing participants with practical insights into media practices. The final session of the day covered "Fact-Checking" and "Media Literacy," led by

Associate Professor Mosharraf Hossain Mamun. Participants were introduced to fact-checking tools like TinEye, InVID, and Google Lens, and were guided on how to distinguish between misinformation and disinformation. This initiative by Voice for Voiceless24 is a meaningful step toward building a more media-literate society in Bangladesh. Encouraged by the success of our first workshop, we have already begun planning the next one. Our goal is to empower every individual to become media literate and to deepen their understanding of citizen journalism, ensuring they can critically engage with information in today's fast-paced digital world.