Development of "Women in Media Network in Central Asia"

Kazakstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Approval date

1995 1998

Total budget $

60,000

Budget code

PDC/15 RAS/03 352 RAS 52

Source

IPDC

Objectives

To assist the development of independent and pluralist mass media.
To promote awareness of human rights issues, the protection of journalists, and the importance of free press in a democratic society.
To offer support mechanisms for the training and development of women in media.

Activities

Regional Center for Women in Media in Central Asia (WMNCA), established and coordinated at the Faculty of Journalism of the Kyrgyz State National University. Regional coordinator is appointed and supported by five national focal points. A consultant was assigned to work with the Dean of the Faculty, students, journalists and other mass media practitioners to give a new impetus to the network activities. A regional meeting and two workshops, were held for the National Focal Points. Computer and English language training ongoing in five republics.

Funds obligated

54,000

90%. Origin: "Bishkek Declaration" of the seminar of Central Asian women journalists, organized in Bishkek in September 1993 (RP). A number of complementary activities are being carried through the Regular Programme and by mobilizing support from other organizations. The "Women in Media Network" is consolidated and operational in the five Central Asian Countries. Project completed. Evaluation pending.

Project officers

Hadlow and Jayaweera

ASIAVISION Expansion of TV News Exchange to Central Asia.

Kazakstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Approval date

1995 1998

Total budget $

20,000

Budget code

PDC/15 RAS/04 352 RAS 53

Source

IPDC

Objectives

To increase the two-way flow of television news and information from and to the newly independent nations of Central Asia.
To develop the news gathering capacity of television broadcasting agencies in Central Asia.

Activities

Arrangements finalized with ABU (Asia -Pacific Broadcasting Union) to commence training programmes and establish co-ordinators in each country in 1998. Already Uzteleradio (Uzbek Radio and TV Company) has become member of ABU.

Funds obligated

18,000

90%. Origin: Regional Workshop on New Information Technologies and Programme Exchange held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on World Press Freedom Day 1994 (RP). Delay in obtaining ABU membership by the broadcasting stations affected the implementation. Project will be terminated in 1998.

Project officers

Hadlow and Jayaweera

Youth, tolerance and television.

Kazakstan, Kyrgyz Republic. Tajikistan Turkmenistan, Ouzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgi

Approval date

Total budget $

66,000 IPDC 20,000 UNHCR (Total: 86,000)

Budget code

PDC/16 RAS/03 352 RAS 62

Source

IPDC UNHCR

Objectives

To promote a climate of peace and tolerance amongst the peoples of Central Asia.
To assist in bridging cultural, ethnic and religious differences through the use of the mass media.
To train personnel for the ongoing viability and creative integrity of the television and film industry.

Activities

The first working meeting with the young producers held in Baku in November 1996. Video programmes for all eight countries have been completed and were shown at a "Film Fest" in Baku in October 1996. Programmes exchanged among participating countries. Selection of programmes were screened at the Eastern European INPUT Workshop in December 1996.

Funds obligated

78,000

91%. UNHCR provided an additional $20,000 to enable the project to be extended to Armenia and Georgia. The project was developed to contribute to the objectives of the United Nations "Year of Tolerance" (1995) through the exchange and international telecasting of programmes produced by young people. Project completed evaluation is pending .

Project officers

Hadlow and Jayaweera

Central Asia "Silk Radio News"; and independent radio news network

Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan

Approval date

1997 December 1999

Total budget $

90,000

Budget code

PDC/17 RAS/01 352/RAS/72

Source

IPDC

Objectives

To enhance free flow of information in Central Asia through the broadcast of a wide range of national and international news. To promote intra-regional tolerance and harmony through the exchange of topical features, cultural materials and information. To upgrade the standard of radio news journalism in the region. To assist the private, independent electronic media in Central Asia to develop its potential as an alternative voice for news and information programmes.

Activities

RCA visited Radio Netherlands and Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establish joint-cooperation in this project.

Funds obligated

Arrangementshave been made with ANESMICA to establish a daily, regional radio news exchange network (Silk Road Radio News) for ANESMICA's member stations. Implementation in progress. Dutch consultant reviewed the project (with Dutch funds). Additional funding support from The Netherlands expected.

Project officers

Hadlow and Jayaweera

"Central Asia: Further Development of a Centre for Women in Media of Central Asia (WIMNCA)"

Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan

Approval date

1997 December 1999

Total budget $

30,000

Budget code

PDC/18 RAS/06 352 RAS 84

Source

IPDC

Objectives

To promote the development of independent, pluralistic media in Central Asia.
To provide a self-sustaining platform and supprot mechanism for the training and professional development of women working in the media.
To encourage equal access to information and opportunities for women to express themselves through the media.

Activities

WIMNCA office equipped. Monthly WIMNCA News Letter established. WIMNCA national focal points in five countries networked through computer connections.

Funds obligated

26,894

89%. Funds allocated February 1998 Project completed. Evaluation pending.

Project officers

Hadlow and Jayaweera

"STD/HIV/AIDS: a regional IEC initiative along the Silk Roads of Central Asia"

Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan

Approval date

1997 December 1999

Total budget $

225,000

Budget code

Project not yet available (with bureau of budget)

Source

UNICEF UNAIDS

Objectives

To highlight to community in five countries of Central Asia the seriousness of the STD/HIV/AIDS pandemic on a global, regional and national level.
To outline the ramifications of HIV/AIDS on national development objectives.
To provide basic communication skills to health educators for STD/HIV/AIDS prevention.
To advocate the issue of HIV\AIDS among mass media personnel.
To research\test a pilot public information campaign fior travellers on the new Silk Roads.

Activities

First draft newsletter prepared.

Funds obligated

Implementation started in January, 1998.

Project officers

Hadlow