Media Workshop Focuses on Disability-Inclusive Reporting
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, along with the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities in Goa, the United Nations in India, and UN Women, hosted a significant media sensitization workshop today in New Delhi. This event, held at We the Peoples Hall, aims to promote inclusive and intersectional disability reporting in anticipation of the International Purple Fest 2025, scheduled to take place in Goa from October 9 to 12, 2025. The workshop gathered journalists, editors, and media professionals to rethink how disability is portrayed in public discourse, urging the media to participate in this transformative journey.
Empowering Voices: The Role of Media
During the workshop, Shri Subhash Phal Desai, Minister for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in Goa, emphasized the importance of the International Purple Fest as a movement that seeks to enhance visibility, dignity, and pride for individuals with disabilities. He called on the media to embrace diversity and inclusion in their narratives, highlighting the festival’s role in fostering a more inclusive society. Mr. Shombi Sharp, the UN Resident Coordinator in India, echoed this sentiment, noting that the media has the power to shape perceptions and drive social change. He described the workshop as a crucial opportunity to ensure that the stories of persons with disabilities are told with dignity and reflect their rights and inclusion.
Transforming Mindsets Through Collaboration
Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, articulated that the International Purple Fest is not merely a celebration but a movement aimed at transforming societal mindsets and systems. He highlighted the festival’s potential to showcase innovative ideas and technologies that promote empowerment and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. The collaboration between the Government of Goa and the United Nations aims to position India as a leader in inclusive innovation. Ms. Richa Shanker, Deputy Director General of the Department, reinforced the need to change the narrative surrounding disability, urging collective efforts toward empowerment and inclusion.
Workshop Highlights: Building Inclusive Journalism
The workshop featured interactive sessions designed to enhance disability-inclusive journalism. Participants engaged in discussions that challenged stereotypes and promoted gender-sensitive storytelling. Insights were shared by disability rights leaders and experienced journalists, fostering meaningful collaborations between the media and the disability rights movement. The workshop aimed to ensure that stories about persons with disabilities are reported accurately and respectfully, using a rights-based approach. The International Purple Fest is set to be India’s largest celebration of disability, providing a vibrant platform for dialogue, collaboration, and transformation, with participation from across the nation and the globe.
A Call to Action for Inclusion
As the workshop concluded, the emphasis on the need for a shift in discourse towards empowerment and inclusion resonated strongly among participants. The International Purple Fest is positioned as a pivotal event that not only celebrates disability but also serves as a catalyst for change. Organizers and speakers alike called upon everyone to join this movement, reinforcing the commitment to a future where no one is left behind. The collaborative efforts of the government, UN agencies, and media professionals aim to create a more inclusive society, ensuring that the voices of persons with disabilities are heard and respected in all narratives.
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