Mardan: A one-day training workshop on the effective use of traditional and digital media, particularly social media, was organized in Mardan with the collaboration of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chapter of the Fresh Water Action Network South Asia Pakistan and under the auspices of the Integrated Regional Support Programme (IRSP). The workshop aimed to highlight issues related to Safely Managed Sanitation and WASH, raise public awareness, and strengthen awareness campaigns.Men and women, students, social activists, and people from different walks of life participated in the workshop. During the training session, participants were briefed on identifying issues related to WASH—Water, Sanitation and Hygiene—and on the positive and responsible use of media to effectively highlight these issues and communicate information to the public and relevant institutions.The speakers said that access to clean water, improved sanitation and drainage, safe management of human waste, and adherence to hygiene practices are fundamental to building a healthy society. They emphasized that government efforts alone are not sufficient to address these challenges; public awareness and the meaningful participation of different segments of society are equally essential.The workshop was addressed by IRSP Executive Director Shah Nasir, IT Manager Safiullah, Muhammad Ismail, and Noshin Sardar.
The speakers highlighted traditional media as well as Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and other digital platforms as effective tools for promoting awareness about WASH issues. They noted that the responsible and positive use of social media can help disseminate awareness messages to a large audience within a short period of time.The participants were urged to identify and highlight issues related to clean water, sanitation, drainage, hygiene, and the safe and proper management of human waste in their respective communities. They were also encouraged to play their role in providing the public with accurate and fact-based information.
Participants were further briefed on how WASH-related public issues can be effectively presented before relevant institutions and how the attention of policymakers can be drawn towards these challenges.At the conclusion of the workshop, a 10-member WASH Champions Group was also formed, comprising five boys and five girls. The group will conduct a month-long public awareness campaign through various social media platforms on different WASH-related issues, including the safe use of clean water, sanitation and hygiene, safely managed sanitation, and the proper management of human waste.The speakers expressed their commitment to promoting awareness about clean water, safe sanitation, a healthy environment, and improved hygiene through the effective use of modern digital technology and media. They emphasized that such efforts can contribute to addressing WASH-related challenges faced by communities and support meaningful progress towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
