The Bhutan Media Foundation (BMF) today kicked off a three-day Training on Media Reporting on Women, Children, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), and LGBTQI+ Communities in Phuentsholing. Supported by Helvetas Bhutan and funded by the EU in India, the training has brought together 35 media professionals, including journalists, freelancers, and youth participants.

The training aims to strengthen the knowledge and skills of Bhutanese media professionals to report responsibly and ethically on issues affecting marginalized communities. It recognizes the important role of the media in shaping narratives, influencing public opinion, and promoting a more inclusive society.

Day 1 sessions covered the gender and child rights situation in Bhutan, the importance of sensitive and ethical reporting, legal and policy frameworks for the protection of women and children, and a presentation on the Media Guidelines for Reporting on Women and Children. The sessions were facilitated by Ms. Yeshey Lham from National Commission for Women and Children – NCWC, Bhutan.

The final session of the day, facilitated by Ms. Tshering Lhamo from Disabled People’s Organization of Bhutan-DPO, introduced participants to disability rights and policies in Bhutan, including the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The session emphasized the use of respectful, rights-based language and framing in media reporting.

The first day concluded with engaging discussions and reflections on the media’s responsibility in promoting dignity, inclusion, and human rights through ethical and sensitive reporting. The training will continue over the next two days with sessions focused on practical reporting approaches, lived experiences, and inclusive media practices.