THE HUMSAFAR TRUST PROJECT DIVA

Transcription

1 THE HUMSAFAR TRUST PROJECT DIVA (MULTI-COUNTRY SOUTH ASIA GLOBAL FUND HIV PROGRAMME ROUND-9) MEDIA FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME SUPPORTED BY

2 Background In South Asia, including in India, men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people face violence, discrimination and rejection from families, workplaces, educational institutions and broader society. They often cannot access the same services and rights as other citizens, and are vulnerable to poorer health as a result. For example, HIV prevalence among populations of MSM and transgender people in South Asia has seen alarming increases in recent years and according to the Commission on AIDS in Asia (2008), greater than 50 percent of all new HIV infections could be among MSM by the year In recent years, sexual orientation and gender identity issues in South Asia have begun to have a larger presence and visibility in the public domain in particular in the media. A 2014 UNDP study 1 examining media reporting on these issues in Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Nepal found that news coverage has often been prejudiced, inaccurate and sensationalistic and has exacerbated stigma and discrimination. Furthermore, the study found that the media coverage served to enforce negative stereotypes and did not accurately report on community issues. Media can, however, have a positive impact on human rights and the HIV epidemic for marginalized populations such as MSM and transgender. It is the media which often sets the agenda of public discourse. By engaging with communities, raising awareness among media practitioners, and wielding their powers for good, the media can influence public opinion and policies and programmes, and contribute to creating an enabling environment. 1 UNDP, CFAR (2014). A Framework for Media Engagement on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in South Asia. 2

3 About Humsafar Trust The Humsafar Trust (HST) is a male sexual health agency registered in April 1994 as a community based organisation by self-identified homosexual men with a mission to strive for the human rights of sexual minorities of and for the provision of equality health services to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, MSM and Hijras. The Humsafar Trust commenced its community work in 1990 with free distribution of condoms at two of the key MSM sex sites in Mumbai and the launch of Bombay Dost, India s first registered and only gay magazine to collectivize self-identified gay men and MSM. In April 1999, the organisation was supported by Mumbai District AIDS Control Society (MDACS) and was the country s first MSM project supported by the National AIDS Control Society (NACO). The program funding was supported by NACO-MDACS, USAID-AVERT Society, EUHIVOS, BMGF supported Aastha project, Project Pehchan-GFATM R-9. The Humsafar Trust is the convener of the Integrated Network for Sexual Minorities, India (INFOSEM) which is an umbrella of all Community Based Organizations working with Sexual Minorities on the issue of Health and Human Rights in India. HST was documented as a Best Practices Model by UNICEF in 2003 and has become the first community based organization to set up its own IRB (Institutional Review Board), an ethics review committee. 3

4 Project DIVA The Multi-Country South Asia Global Fund HIV Programme (also known as Project DIVA) is a regional programme with 11 sub-recipients in seven countries: Afghanistan (Youth Health and Development Organization), Bangladesh (Bandhu Social Welfare Society), Bhutan (Lhak-Sam, National STI and HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Programme), India (Humsafar Trust, Voluntary Health Services), Nepal (Blue Diamond Society), Pakistan (Naz Male Health Alliance) and Sri Lanka (Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka). UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub serves the grant's Principal Recipient. The overall goal of the programme is to reduce the impact of, and vulnerability to, HIV of men who have sex with men, hijras and transgender people through Community Systems Strengthening (CSS). Furthermore, the programme will support and build the capacity of in-country organizations to deliver high quality services, engage in policy development and advocacy initiatives. As a sub-recipient of the programme in India, the Humsafar Trust is working in 11 states, namely Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh. Objectives of the Fellowship The Media Fellowship has the following objectives: To engage with the media and reinforce their ability to be a positive force for improving the human rights and health of MSM, hijra, transgender people and other sexual minorities in India. Create greater awareness in the media about issues, challenges and barriers faced by sexual minority populations. To foster greater understanding of the epidemiology of HIV, in the context of MSM, hijra and transgender people. To facilitate a process of sensitization among media professionals regarding human rights and stigma and discrimination faced by MSM, hijra and transgender people. To identify needs for capacity-building, training, regional exchanges of experiences and other support systems. To identify leadership strength and working styles, and promote effective communication systems. 4

5 To facilitate policy dialogue on these issues in the public sphere. Areas of Focus Epidemiology of HIV in India. Human rights and HIV, in the context of MSM, hijra and transgender people. Legal, social and political policy environment in India in relation to MSM, hijra and transgender people and people living with HIV. Stigma and discrimination faced by MSM, hijra and transgender people and people living with HIV. Livelihood opportunities, challenges and barriers experienced by sexual minorities. Religious beliefs and social views towards sexual minorities. Who Can Apply Journalist from print and electronic media. Freelancer media persons. Journalism students. Online blogs writers. Radio Jockeys (RJ s). Number of Fellowship A total of 10 fellowships will be available to successful applicants. The Humsafar Trust selection committee will be responsible to award fellowships as per applicants areas of expertise. Out of the 10 fellows, Three will be selected from daily newspapers, One will be from online newspapers/news agencies, Four will be from television channels, One will be from radio and One will be from blog media format. Selection Process Through online advertisements AND through invitation, The Humsafar Trust will invite applications from interested journalists among which 10 journalist will be awarded three months (June, 2015 to Aug, 2015) to produce reports and feature stories on sexual health and rights, including HIV/AIDS, sexual diversity, human rights of Sexual Minorities as well as some other issues related to LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender). 5

6 Tasks/responsibilities of Media Fellows Each media fellow will be responsible to perform the following activities: Mandatory attendance at the one-day orientation workshop organized by Humsafar Trust. Study background materials supplied by Humsafar Trust. Produce and submit pieces of work on the agreed upon subject within the [date or timeframe]. Submit a fellowship completion report at the end of the programme. Terms & Conditions Articles or content of fellows must be focused on the above mentioned areas. Fellows will be responsible to publish/broadcast their pieces of work in their respective media outlets. The fellow must acknowledge the support of UNDP, Project DIVA and The Humsafar Trust, Mumbai. Mandatory attendance at the concluding dissemination workshop at the end of the programme. Selection Criteria Minimum two years of working experience as a full time journalist with newspapers, online newspapers, radio, television and regular writer in blogs (exception journalism students). A letter of support from the applicant's editor/ producer stating that the final output (stories, news reports, features, opinion pieces etc.) will be published/telecast by respective agency/group. Preference will be given to journalists having experience on health, sexual orientation and gender identity, and human rights issues. Experience in reporting on sexual minority populations will be an advantage. Applicants have to submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) with recent photograph and present and permanent contact address. Applicants have to submit a letter of interest explaining why he/she is interested to participate in the fellowship program. Sound knowledge on sexual minority populations and their challenges will be considered as an asset. 6

7 Selection Committee The Humsafar Trust will comprise of a committee that will plan, manage and implement media fellowship The committee will comprise of selected staff members of The Humsafar Trust and people with relevant experience and skills. The CEO of The Humsafar Trust will be the chairperson of committee. Remuneration Fellows will receive a fixed amount of Rs. 30,000 (Rupees Thirty Thousand Only), provided after the successful completion of selection process. The above mentioned amount will be paid in 3 instalments: i) 20% at first month of fellowship. ii) 40% at end of three months. iii) 40% upon successful completion of fellowship. At the completion of the programme, a dissemination workshop will be held and award will be given to the best report or feature story. Application Deadline and Submission Materials The last date of the application for The Humsafar Trust Media Fellowship is June, 10 Th, Application will be accepted through and courier only. The application must include a) CV with photograph. b) Proposed work (details work of action). c) Motivational letter. d) Draft outline for the proposed work (within 1000 word) about news, documentary. Kindly send the above enlist documents on before June, 10 Th, 2015, preferably by , to: tinesh.hst@gmail.com Alternatively, you may send by post to: Project Director, Project DIVA, The Humsafar Trust, 3 rd floor, Manthan Plaza, Nehru Road, Vakola, Santacruz (E), Mumbai Phone No: /

8 Action plan for Fellowship-2015 Particulars Inviting Media fellows Selection committee Review application and selection of 10 participants One day orientation workshop for selected fellows Fellowship Programme commence Follow up and documentation & consolidate reports Review by committee Award Selection of best fellowship practice by committee National level dissemination event May 15 June 15 Action Plan for Media Fellowship-2015 July 15 Aug 15 Sep 15 Oct 15 Nov 15 8