With an aim to promote equal and sensitive representation of gender in the media, the UNICEF organised a workshop on Gender Sensitive Reporting and Writing for journalists in here recently.

Communication and Advocacy Specialist, UNICEF, Odisha Radhika Srivastava gave the welcome address and set up the context. Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Odisha Dr Monika Nielsen spoke of UNICEF’s commitment to gender equality.  Gender Specialist, UNICEF, Delhi, Madhuri Das delivered key notes on becoming more gender sensitive.

A checklist for media was presented at the workshop, giving tips to journalists on how they can make their stories more gender sensitive, challenge social norms and ensure that voices of women are equally heard. The check list also included gender sensitive methods on reporting on crime against women and emphasised on publishing follow up stories to write on the issue even as the focus is on the crime survivor.

The participants discussed the various challenges and barriers they face within their workspace and in the external environment related to gender sensitive reporting, especially since most women do not make it to decision making positions within media organisations.

Speaking on the role of media on gender, Srivastava said it is important to explore an issue from a woman’s perspective, and report on how women are impacted by it. This is especially important during disasters which Odisha so often faces, she said. Das explained the various stages of gender equality.