Equal Measures 2030 launches a fellowship for Latin American data journalists
The Equal Measures 2030 (EM2030) coalition, which brings together world leaders from feminist networks, civil society, international development and the private sector, opens its call for the “EM2030 Fellowship for data journalists“, with support from Salesforce, using its Tableau software. The fellowship will support 8 journalists and data activists from who identify as women from Colombia and Guatemala to gain skills and experience in telling stories through data that can have a significant impact on gender equality.
In addition to extensive training in the use of data, this opportunity includes a two-year complimentary license of Tableau software, ongoing support, access to EM2030 SDG Gender Index data and a US$1,500 grant to support their work on a data journalism project.
Based on previous experience with the data fellowship in Kenya and India, EM2030’s Head of Data and Insight, Albert Motivans, comments on how the fellows have created effective data journalism products. “We had 16 amazing data journalists from India and Kenya who presented compelling national stories by weaving data into a solid narrative structure that allowed the storyline to flow smoothly to reveal context, urgent gender issues and potential interventions.”
“Gender equality and data are both imperative to the global community as we work towards the Sustainable Development Goals. We must understand where the gaps are to know where we need to invest and grow together.” Ashley Monson, Program Manager, Salesforce Philanthropy.
Applying to the program
For the fellowship, applicants must have experience in data journalism and have an example of at least one story they have already published using data-driven journalism techniques in news media. More information on how to apply and criteria here.
For Julisa Tambunan, Deputy Executive Director and Head of Partnerships and Learning at EM2030, “Successful candidates understand the power of data in the hands of journalists and recognize that media is one of the most important drivers of change. They demonstrate their passion and commitment to using data to achieve gender equality”.
Through this initiative, EM2030 aims to strengthen the capacity of women journalists and journalists from gender minorities to use data in their journalism and to foster a network of data-driven journalists passionate about gender equality issues. EM2030 also seeks to expand the reach and impact of journalism on under-reported issues and historically neglected communities and to improve connections between data journalists and global, national and local activists
Former scholarship holders share their experiences
In addition to having narrative stories, data techniques can contribute to changing the way journalism is conducted, impacting the production of information through evidence and visualization.
“For information to have the potential to correct bias and influence a person’s perspective, it must be able to stick in the memory of the reader. Data visualization is powerful because it appeals to our visual memory – when we see, we remember,” said Surbhi Bhatia, a former fellow from India. For her, data can organize and generate visualizations of large volumes of history or key information.
Another former fellow, Rosemary Okello-Orlale from Kenya, shares that this opportunity has helped her develop her storytelling skills using data.
“The skills in data and gender analysis gained through the Tableau and Equal Measures 2030 fellowship programme make us realize that there are better ways to analyze data, especially when it comes to gender issues. The right use and understanding of data can make a difference in addressing gender inequality at national, regional and global levels.”
One of the leading lessons that the fellows took away from this programme is the aspect of accessibility, which is shared by Aarushee Shukla, a former fellow from India. She highlights that one of the things she wants to ensure is the need to have an intersectional lens applied to the data to avoid bias and to represent the plurality of the society being reported. “I tried to capture the intersectionality by collecting demographic data on each survey participant and creating filters in Tableau for religion, caste, gender and household income to track the variation.”
Importance of data for gender equality
Data has a powerful and unique role to play in providing standardized and disaggregated information on the lives of women and girls to track the real impact of national and sub-national policy measures.
By strengthening the capacity of women journalists and journalists from gender minorities to promote the use of data in their reporting on gender inequalities, EM2030 believes this can bring more attention to these issues and influence public policy and decision-making.
