Media plays key role in uplift of women

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

COLOMBO: Child Development and Women’s Empowerment Minister Sumedha G. Jayasena said the media could play major role towards the uplift of women.

The Minister was addressing a workshop on Positive portrayal of women in media at the BMICH yesterday jointly organised by the Child Development and Women’s Empowerment Ministry and the National Committee on Women (NCM).

She called for an attitudinal change towards women’s affairs. She said when the Women’s Affairs Ministry’s budget was taken up for debate, most of MPs walk out of the Chamber considering the topic as insignificant.

Every one talks about women. But nothing has happened to promote women whose contribution is inevitable for the development of society and the world.

Newspaper reportage on violence against women instills indecent thoughts among the readers. Child Development and Women’s Empowerment Ministry Secretary Indrani Sugathadasa said media could do many things to upgrade the woman and build up a conducive environment for their well-being.

The media could create public opinion. Some films and advertisements degrade the women’s image, she said. SLRC Chairman Dr. Ariyaratne Athugala said the journalists do not have adequate knowledge on gender. Men and women are equally important and no one is more important than the other.

The main objective of the workshop was to critically analyse the woman in the print and electronic media highlighting her issues from different perspectives. The workshop aims to develop a gender sensitive media policy.

Information and Media Ministry Secretary A. Dissanayake and NCW Chairperson Swarna Sumanasekara also spoke. Dr. Subangi Herath of Colombo University, Dr. Selvi Thiruchandran, Women’s Education and Research Centre, Dr. Sepali Kottegoda, Anoma Rajakaruna delivered lectures.