Two-day media workshop on gender reporting at Bhopal

Journalists from Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh came together for a two-day residential program at Bhopal to gain insights into reporting on various issues from a gender perspective. Seven sessions and a panel discussion took the attendees through topics as diverse as education, gender-based violence, media and gender representation, post-covid media and challenges for women, and more. The initiative was supported by United Nations Population Fund, The royal Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi, and Women and Child Development Department, MP.

Faculty included Pushpendra Pal Singh, chief editor Madhyam, Suresh Tomar, joint director WCD, Dr. A.L.Sharada, director Population First, Sunil Jacob, State Head, UNFPA, Madhya Pradesh, and Anurag Sonwalker, State Program Officer, UNFPA, Madhya Pradesh.

Dr. A.L. Sharada, welcomed the attendees and set the stage for the proceedings in her ice-break session. Anurag Sonwalker in his welcome note spoke about the raison d’etre for the workshop and highlighted the importance of media in ushering societal changes.

In her first session, Status of women in India: Striking Stats, Dr. Sharada shared statistics on the status of women in India and penciled the importance of studying the data presented carefully. She also spoke about correlating various data sets to arrive at a correct interpretation.

Dr. Sharada then moved to the next session which looked at Women in media, and women and media. She presented several advertisements and carefully moderated a robust group discussion on what each of the films depicted with regards to roles of women, their place in the gender equation, and stereotyping of gender portrayal. She also sensitized to the attendees to finer nuances of the narratives and what may seem an empowering representation may actually not be so.
The next session, Gender, Sex and Patriarchy was taken by Suresh Tomar who spoke about the difference between sex and gender and helped the participants in clearing their concepts. He said, “Media shapes the way we think, believe, and do. It is important that we explore finer nuances of gender in every story. As journalists, it is important to view every aspect of our reporting to ensure that it does not echo the inherent patriarchy, and questions the biases and stereotypes.” Through a series of interactive moments, he demonstrated the complex concepts effortlessly.

The final session Reporting on GBV of the day was taken by Anurag Sonwalker. He took the attendees through a series of reportage on gender-based violence and showed how media portrayed such cases in rather insensitive manner that often placed the onus of the crime on the women themselves. He also shared the various alternative ways of narrating an incidence which were more respectful to women.

Globally acclaimed documentary by Santoshee Gulabkali Mishra,a journalist, documentary filmmaker, and investigative researcher, Mumbai 400008 - A Story of Betrayal, Pain and Desperation, was screened at the end of the day. The narrative captures the plight of nearly 7000 sex workers of Kamathipura, Falkland Road, and Faras Road during the trying and devastating COVID-19 pandemic. It was followed by a Q&A with the director. The audiences had several questions to ask of the Director who was present in person for the interaction which continued over the dinner.

The day two commenced with a recap of the previous day by Dr. Sharada. The participants shared their learning. She then went on to take the attendees through an understanding of as well as provide insights into unconscious biases and how they play out while representing various section of the society. While noting how deeply rooted the biases and divides are, she urged them to question these positions and sensibly portray women.

In the session Diversity and Inclusion in Media Reporting Pushpendra Pal Singh noted the importance of the role of media in maintaining a societal balance and be watchful of divisive reporting and portrayals. “Diversity naturally works towards mitigating differences and initiating an expansive environment which allows all sects to thrive, while monotony keeps views limited. It is important that media not only in its reporting but even in its organization embraces diversity.”

The next session on Gender-Biased Sex Selection by Sunil Jacob looked at how to report on a subject that often is open misrepresentation. He cautioned the participants to be very careful while reporting on the issue and not use any language, sign or symbol which may criminalize abortion which under specific circumstances is a legal right of a woman.

The final session was a panel discussion that looked at how gender sensitive media is. Titled Women in Media the panel comprised Brajesh Rajput, noted journalist, Beareau Chief, ABP, Shruti Kushwaha, CEO, MP Breaking News, and Anurag Dwary, Senior Editor, NDTV. The panelists noted how women reporters were at the receiving end of the patriarchal mindset. Citing the example of the pandemic they noted that they not only were burdened with the increased workload, but they also had to weather stark working conditions without access to proper facilities while reporting from the field. A number of them were laid off as it was felt that men were more suited to the altered requirements.