Youth content creators recognised for promoting gender equality online

Bangla Press Desk:  Four Bangladeshi content creators and influencers received the Gender-Sensitive Content Award 2025 on Wednesday night for promoting positive gender narratives and raising awareness about equality and social issues. The awards were presented at an event organised by JAAGO Foundation Trust at Aloki Convention Center in Dhaka under the Shomotay Tarunno: Youth for Equality Project.

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN) funded the four-year project, which is jointly implemented by JAAGO Foundation Trust and Plan International Bangladesh.

Social media content creators Md Nur A Alam and Erin Akter won in the category Emerging Voice on Social Media in Gender Advocacy. Murshidul Alam Bhuiya received special recognition for creativity in the same category. Social media influencer Kaarina Kaisar was named Gender-Sensitive Influencer of the Year.

The awardees regularly produce content across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to challenge gender stereotypes, promote ethical behaviour online, and advance social awareness.

M A Akher, Director-Admin of the Department of Youth Development, attended as the Chief Guest, while Korvi Rakshand, Founder and Executive Director of JAAGO Foundation Trust, chaired the event. Bert Essink, Financial Adviser at the Netherlands Embassy; Mohammed Maheen Newaz Chowdhury, Director of Programmes at Plan International Bangladesh; and Kazi Moklesur Rahman, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, attended as special guests.

Speaking on the importance of youth digital responsibility, M A Akher said, “Young people are the digital leaders of today. If they spread messages of respect, equality, and ethics, the online space will inevitably transform. The Department of Youth Development always supports initiatives that strengthen youth creativity and moral values.”

Bert Essink added, “Media can build or break societies. The participation of young people is crucial for gender equality and human rights in Bangladesh. This recognition honours both the awarded creators and others who make the digital space more inclusive.”

Mohammed Maheen Newaz Chowdhury said, “This award is not just a recognition of talent—it is 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 emphasised the role of youth in building a safe digital society. “A smartphone in the hands of a young person can bring incredible change. Those who speak against discrimination and share stories of equality are the true changemakers. Today’s recognition is for those who choose ethics over likes, shares, and followers,” he said.

The event featured performances highlighting gender equality, including a short drama by the youth cultural team Bhoirobee and a musical performance by Karishma Sanu Sovvota.

Under the Shomotay Tarunno Project, 156 emerging social media content creators from eight divisions in Bangladesh have received training in gender equality, leadership, ethical storytelling, and responsible digital behaviour. The project empowers young people to become drivers of social change and helps build a just and safe digital ecosystem.

Since its founding in 2007, JAAGO Foundation Trust has worked to break the cycle of poverty through education, youth empowerment, and social innovation. Operating in all 64 districts of Bangladesh through its Volunteer for Bangladesh platform, JAAGO promotes civic engagement, gender equality, climate resilience, and digital inclusion.

BP/SP