Philippines: Women welders hone communication and social media skills

Determined to strengthen its communication and social media efforts, the BWI-affiliated National Union of Building and Construction Workers (NUBCW) in the Philippines recently organised a two-part Basic Communication and Social Media Training to capacitate women welders on how to use various social media platforms to promote their respective campaigns online. 

The first part of the training, which was held last 4 August shared insights and experiences on how to develop effective campaign messages, and tailor-fit them when conveyed through various social media platforms and new communication applications. 

Participants were reminded that the soul of any campaign, whether it is the promotion of a particular advocacy, policy or organisation, is the “messaging strategy.”

The women welders were also cautioned that without a defined and compelling message or story, there is no effective campaign. The training pointed out that various media outlets, especially social media, act as a bridge between trade unions and their different audiences and constituencies. On the other hand, strategic messaging, and its practice through communication, is the smooth traffic flow of vehicles that pass through the bridge. Without the message, campaigners are left with an "empty bridge."

A workshop followed shortly after the discussion wherein the women participants were given ample time and opportunities to craft their own campaign messages using a communication planning tool that helped them determine strategic messages and identify specific audiences to effect positive changes in policies behaviours and perspectives. 

NUBCW  Treasurer and Organiser Jane Vargas concluded the activity by urging the participants to attend the second part of the training on 14 August. She said that NUBCW’s women welders will be oriented on the latest developments on social media, as well as practical tips on how to build online communities for trade union organising, education and advocacy. 

The women welder participants are currently in charge of building and strengthening NUBCW’s different social media platforms.