National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar highlighted the influential role of media in shaping societal perspectives, emphasizing the need for sensitivity, responsibility, and accuracy in covering women-related issues. Rahatkar stressed the importance of ethical journalism, particularly in safeguarding the identity and privacy of women, and called for gender-sensitive reporting as a professional obligation. She also urged media outlets to focus on diverse aspects of women’s issues beyond criminal incidents, promoting inclusivity and positive narratives.
Rahatkar underscored the significance of fact-checking to combat fake news and misinformation, emphasizing the credibility of news over speed in the digital age. She outlined pillars for ethical journalism on women’s issues, emphasizing the need for journalists to have a solid understanding of relevant laws to ensure accurate and legally sound reporting. Additionally, Rahatkar encouraged media houses to refrain from engaging in ‘media trials’ and to respect the judicial process in their coverage.
Recognizing positive developments in media practices, Rahatkar noted improvements in protecting victim identities, increased representation of women experts in discussions, and consistent coverage of issues like the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act and human trafficking. She called for greater visibility of women’s success stories to inspire positive social change and provide role models for future generations.
