Senior journalists of print and electronic media have highlighted the lack of professionalism and sensitivity of the media in handling news of violence against women.
They also expressed concerns over the rising hatred towards women in society through the misuse of social media and technology.
The media is oppressing the women who are victims of violence again by not reporting properly, not giving accurate information, and providing distorted information. The media must take strategic measures to address the problem.
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Meanwhile, they said the government must take steps to stop the distorted presentation of information about violence against women through social media.
These suggestions came during a discussion on violence against women and the views of the women journalists in Dhaka on Tuesday. Bangladesh Mahila Parishad arranged the event.
In her presentation, Munima Sultana, Special Correspondent of The Financial Express, said that despite the contribution of women to development, the continuous increase in violence is holding back women’s achievements.
Based on the news published in the newspaper, it is seen that about 1,555 women and girls were victims of violence in the last six months, with the incidents of violence being more in March. Even though the incidents of violence decreased later, it does not carry a positive message for women.
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Afroza Arman, Senior Training and Research Officer of the Mahila Parishad, said that analysing the data on violence against women and girls in the last year, it has been found that the number of victims of each incident of violence is higher for girls. The rate of violence against girls who are between 2 and 18 years old is higher in cases of child marriage, sexual abuse, rape, and gang rape.
In her welcome speech, Mahila Parishad General Secretary Maleka Banu said: “Currently, the incidents of violence against women and girls have increased in public, and the picture of violence has changed. The hatred in society towards women is currently being incited in various ways. Although there are laws to protect women’s human rights, we know how little they are actually implemented.โ
Joint General Secretary of the organisation Seema Moslem said: “As a result of publication and promotion in the media, we constantly see the attitude towards women in society. The media is one of the partners of the women’s movement in preventing violence against women.”
She called on the women journalists present to present the real information about the incidents of violence to the media.
Mahila Parishad President Dr Fawzia Moslem said: “Women’s movement and media complement each other. Violence against women will not stop unless gender inequality is prevented. If we want to change society, we must first change ourselves and reform institutional structures. To advance the women’s movement, we must know about the areas of global change, the media must be more sensitive in publishing news, and above all, we must move forward unitedly.”
Women journalists who participated in the open discussion included Selina Akhter of Ajker Patrika, Drohi Tara of Samakal, Nasrin Giti of Sangbad, freelancer Rafia Chowdhury, media workers Nadira Kiran and Shahnaz Munni, Sebika Debnath of Bhorer Kagoj, Ummul Wara Sweety of Desh Rupantar, Rita Bhowmik of Kalbela, Zahida Parvez of international news agency The Pressenger, Shahnaz Parveen Ellis of Khabarer Kagoj and Jannatul Ruhi of Financial Express.
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