Media might make women right richer and fulfilling

The media outlets have the power to make women's life richer and fulfilling, and all of society stronger and more just, together with achieving their right-based approach in the countries like Bangladesh where the people are used to believing that women are emotional and men are rational in thinking and working.

The speakers came up with these remarks while delivering their speech on gender-sensitive language in mass media on February17 at the National Press Club in the capital organized by , Plan International Bangladesh under the 'Shomotay Tarunno:Youth for Equality' Project,

Associate Professor Dr. Md. Khorshed Alam, DU, said that there are good examples of gender-sensitive reports, usage of gender-sensitive language in media but online harassment, cyber bullying, and use of gender-insensitive language is also present in media. He also mentioned that there is a social and political pressure and censorship in media which should be reduced. Blaming the victims in media should be stopped as well, while gender-related issues are insignificant in the media-related policies."

"Speculative news regarding women spreads very fast denying its authenticity as soon as it is disseminated which shapes people's perception. Although we get the true information later" said Dr. Sanzida Akhter. There is a need of gender-sensitive training for media professionals, she said adding that women journalists at grassroots level are not getting proper environment at workplaces and this is a must for creating a safe and free space for women in media.

Mushfiqua Zaman Satiar, Senior Policy Advisor - Gender and Civil Society, EKN, stated that "each and every woman in Bangladesh are affected by gender-based violence in some way."We had two women Prime Ministers in Bangladesh who ruled the country for many years,but the situation has not changed."

Nishath Sultana, Director, Plan International Bangladesh expressed, "The language used in media is not any isolated agenda. Language is just the reflection of what we perceive and practice. The gender stereotypes are deeply rooted in our society. We are working to break the stereotypes and harmful norms through this project."

"There's a lack of mutual respect in our society. If we have mutual respect, we will automatically use gender-sensitive language in media." Said Salma Hasnayen, Deputy Secretary Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The project funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN) for four-year run by s Plan International Bangladesh and JAAGO Foundation Trust.