Guzal Mahkamova has established herself as a successful journalist in Tajikistan.  She graduated from Khujand State University in 2007 and has participated in training programs convened by Internews, IWPR, and the OSCE, enhancing her skills in investigative journalism and fact-checking. Her contributions to civil society include extensive sociological research and project coordination in public organizations. As a media trainer, she has continued to promote media literacy and human rights in Tajikistan, reflecting her dedication to making a positive societal impact. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: TruthEase: Disinfo Peace Project  

The project combatted misinformation and fostered a culture of peace, dialogue, and reconciliation within communities. Through the three 3-day workshops, a total of sixty people, including students, journalists, and activists, received training and knowledge about information verification tools, identifying fake information, and improving their critical thinking. Before the training, only 25% of participants practiced fact-checking regularly. After the training, 75% adopted fact-checking methods. The use of cross-checking techniques and primary sources also increased from 20% to 80%.

The project also hosted a “MiniFest” community dialogue event, engaging 62 residents in discussions on disinformation and social cohesion. The project’s online component included a digital awareness campaign featuring videos, infographics, and testimonials, reaching an estimated 50,000 individuals on social media.

Guzal was a panelist in the webinar “Countering Disinformation: Media Literacy in Action”, which you can read about here.

"We have attended many peacebuilding training sessions before, but during this project’s training, I gained practical skills. The trainer used hands-on methods, which made it much easier for me to understand and apply the concepts." - Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Guzal participated in the IVLP Project 21st Century ChangeMakers: Disinformation and Conflict Resolution, organized by the U.S. Department of State and World Learning, in partnership with GlobalJax, Global Ties Detroit, and World Affairs Council of New Hampshire.  

Guzal’s exchange experience led to the development of her project: "My experience with the IVLP has provided invaluable insights, networks, and resources that I will leverage to enhance the implementation of the IVLP Impact Award project. During my IVLP exchange, I had the opportunity to engage with various individuals, organizations, and communities across the United States, gaining a deeper understanding of best practices, innovative approaches, and successful initiatives in the fields of disinformation mitigation and peacebuilding. Specifically, connections with experts in media literacy, conflict resolution, and community engagement have greatly enriched my knowledge and provided valuable perspectives on addressing the challenges associated with disinformation and promoting peace and reconciliation.” 

U.S. Communities Visited

Washington, DC; Jacksonville, FL; Detroit, MI; Manchester, NH 

Country: Tajikistan

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