Doha, September 03 (QNA) -The Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities, one of the centers under the Qatar Foundation for Social Work, in partnership with the Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) and the Qatar Press Center, launched an awareness workshop titled "Media and the Positive Image of Persons with Disabilities," with the participation of a group of media professionals and influencers in the Qatari media scene, held at the Diplomatic Club.

On this occasion, Executive Director of the Shafallah Center Maryam Saif Al Suwaidi explained that this workshop stems from the center’s vision to build a more inclusive and equitable society, noting that media is a key partner in shaping public awareness.

The Shafallah Center believes in the importance of empowering media professionals with the tools and knowledge necessary to present a realistic and human image of persons with disabilities, away from stereotypes.

Al Suwaidi pointed out that the awareness workshop aims to promote positive concepts about persons with disabilities in media discourse, correct misconceptions and inaccurate terminology commonly used in media, and enable media professionals to produce content that reflects the abilities and achievements of persons with disabilities.

She added that the workshop will highlight the importance of social inclusion and the role of media in promoting it, as well as building sustainable partnerships between media institutions and the Shafallah Center in the field of community awareness and education.

She also affirmed that the center believes in the media’s ability to be a true partner in supporting the issues of persons with disabilities, by conveying their stories and achievements, confronting stereotypes, promoting positive discourse, and providing spaces for dialogue on relevant policies and legislation, with the importance of involving them in media content creation to ensure fair representation and build an equitable society.

The Executive Director of the Shafallah Center praised the efforts of the QMC and the Qatar Press Center for their participation and cooperation, confirming that this strategic partnership reflects a firm national commitment to support the center’s efforts in raising community awareness of the issues of persons with disabilities and empowering them through media, in line with the realization of Qatar National Vision 2030 in the field of disability rights.

The workshop featured the presentation of a set of specialized working papers, and an interactive training program was implemented around the key themes of the workshop.

A set of recommendations was also announced aimed at developing media discourse and enhancing the positive representation of persons with disabilities in media outlets.

At the conclusion of the workshop, Al Suwaidi honored the participating entities in the media workshop, including the Qatar Media Corporation and the Qatar Press Center, along with the speakers participating in the workshop, in appreciation of their active role in the success of the workshop and in presenting professional media content that reflects the importance of empowerment and social inclusion to ensure the rights of persons with disabilities. (QNA)