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A recent Gates Foundation report shows underrepresentation of women in journalism in India, and that women were quoted voices in only 14% of online news stories in India.
We are living in a time where discussions surrounding gender equality and women empowerment have gained a lot of prevalence. But, what results do these discussions yield when in reality, underrepresentation of women and discrimination against them still persist in various arenas?
A recent report in the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation finds that women are highly underrepresented in Media. In India, the voices of only 14% women were found in online news stories.
It is no hidden fact that women who work in media and in many other fields face sexism, unequal pay and other obstacles, which hinder their progress, sometimes also culminating in their underrepresentation.
A project initiated by the National Commission of Women titled ‘Status of Women Journalists in Print Media’ found various hindrances affecting women in the print media. Women in journalism have to work twice as hard as their male counterparts, and have to constantly confront the notion that they are using their sexuality to get ahead in their careers, which could be stressful at times.
Ageism has also been reported as an obstacle. Some women journalists report that news organizations prefer younger girls and that once they have acquired skills and experience, they become “too old or over-qualified. “Another notion has also come into play, which says that women have limitations within an organization since they cannot do night shifts.
Other than these hindrances, all of us are aware of the role sexism plays here. Women have to constantly battle between childcare vs. profession while for their male colleagues; it doesn’t come off as a problem. Opting for maternity leave is something women still struggle with at many workplaces.
It is also vital to note that working conditions in urban areas differ from rural areas. The report states that despite not having the scope and facilities of those working in the big metropolitan cities have, women journalists in rural areas have played a huge role in reporting on ‘a much neglected field’ i.e., social issues.
The reason why discussions regarding unequal pay or work-place discrimination don’t get the attention they deserve is because people at the top positions and people in general do not consider getting these things resolved as a priority. Rarely do serious discussions and deliberation regarding the issues have taken place at various organizations and outlets.
The Gates Foundation report highlights that in June 2021, Governments, Private Sectors and Civil Society Partners will come together at a common platform in the Generation Equality forum to address critical issues that hold back women and girls.
It is a sincere hope that these discussions yield a progressive result, so that women not only in journalism but in various other fields no longer face the wrath of various obstacles that halt their work and exempt them from telling their stories.
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People say that women are the greatest enemies of women. I vehemently disagree. It is the patriarchal mindset that makes women believe in the wrong ideology.
The entire world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024. It should be a joyful day, but unfortunately, not all women are entitled to this privilege, as violence against women is at its peak. The experience of oppression pushes many women to choose freedom. As far as patriotism is concerned, feminism is not a cup of tea in this society.
What happens when a woman decides to stand up for herself? Does this world easily accept the decisions of women in this society? What inspires them to be free of the clutches of the oppression that women have faced for ages? Most of the time, women do not get the chance to decide for themselves. Their lives are always at the mercy of someone, which can be their parents, siblings, husband, or children.
In some cases, women do not feel the need to make any decisions. They are taught to obey the patriarchal system, which makes them believe that they are right. In my family, I was never taught to make decisions on my own. It was always my parents who bought dresses and all that I needed.
14 years after her last feature film Dhobi Ghat, storyteller extraordinaire comes up with her new film, Laapataa Ladies, a must watch.
*Some spoilers alert*
Every religion around the world dictates terms to women. The onus is always on women to be ‘modest’ and cover their faces and bodies so men can’t be “tempted”, rather than on men to keep their eyes where they belong and behave like civilized beings. So much so that even rape has been excused on the grounds of women eating chowmein or ‘men will be men’. I think the best Hindi movie retort to this unwanted advice on ‘akeli ladki khuli tijori ki tarah hoti hai’ (an alone woman is like an open jewellery box) came from Geet in Jab We Met – Kya aap gyan dene ke paise lete hain kyonki chillar nahin hain mere paas.
The premise of Laapataa Ladies is beautifully simple – two brides clad in the ghunghat that covers their identity get mixed up on a train. Within this Russian Doll, you get a comedy of errors, a story of getting lost, a commentary on patriarchy’s attitude towards women, a mystery, and a tale of finding oneself, all in one. Done with a mostly light touch that has you laughing and nodding along.
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