Interfaith literacy project to be launched
A major new initiative to promote media literacy among women will be launched next tuesday.
Women’s Interfaith Media Literacy, a network of women from across the major faith communities in England, will unveil its website at the Foreign Press Association, Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AJ.
Keynote speaker Clare Short, MP, will stress the importance of the project in encouraging women from diverse faith communities to express their views and concerns to the producers and regulators of the press, broadcasting and on-line media.
Through its website and a series of regional events in 2007, Women’s Interfaith Media Literacy will for the first time bring together women of different faiths specifically to develop skills and confidence in media literacy. Women’s Interfaith Media Literacy is supported by a multi-faith advisory panel drawn from across the faith communities.
The website aims to be an accessible, easy-to-use and up-to-date online resource, covering in particular three key topics identified by women as those they want to change the way the media handle and present : the portrayal of faith and faith communities, marketing to children and their premature sexualisation, the exploitation and stereotyping of women and girls.
The website will also be a guide to media literacy resources, organizations and faith based. networks.
The project was initiated by the National Board of Catholic Women (NBCW). In 2006 the Faith Communities Capacity Building Fund (FCCBF) gave a grant to the NCBW to promote media literacy among women in different faith communities.