TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Sinem Nazlı Demir
The training aimed to raise awareness on how journalistic language can either reinforce or challenge gender-based violence. It addressed the urgent need for media professionals in Turkey to adopt a gender-sensitive approach to reporting on femicide and domestic violence. As part of a six-day seminar programme supported by the European Union, this activity fit the goals of the Turkish Journalists’ Union (TGS) by promoting democratic journalism, media ethics, and social justice.
The target group consisted of journalists, journalism students, and civil society actors working on human rights and media. While most participants were based in Turkey, the programme was part of an EU-funded initiative and hosted international speakers and observers, which gave the activity an intercultural and European dimension.
I used non-formal learning methods including collective headline analysis, media discourse mapping, group-based rewriting of news content, and critical reflection sessions. Participants engaged with real-life examples of victim-blaming narratives and practiced rewriting them using ethical and inclusive language.
The training strengthened participants’ understanding of gender-sensitive journalism. Feedback collected through discussion and follow-up messages indicated that many began to reassess how they report on violence against women. The programme is documented on the TGS Akademi website and was publicly promoted through the official EU-supported seminar calendar.
I was invited as a trainer for one full day of the 6-day seminar series. I designed and facilitated a session titled “Media Language and Violence Against Women” using non-formal methods and guided interactive discussion and group work throughout the day. (05/03/2024)
I confirm that Sinem Nazlı Demir has delivered the stated trainings successfully. She is a skilled, trustworthy, hardworking expert on her field.