Oxfam India organised a conference on ‘Women and Media’ in the New Circuit House here on Wednesday.
About 150 of students from the city’s Journalism colleges and universities and members of intelligentsia participated in the event.
Anu Verma from Oxfam India introduced the conference and highlighted the relevance of the programme.
She said, “It is the culmination of 16 days of Activism which started on November 25. During this 16 days of activism the message of violence against women directly reached to 5000 people and indirectly to several thousands.”
The programme began with a brief history on the contribution of women in the field of communication in Chhattisgarh by senior Journalist Ramesh Nayyar.
Akhila from Centre for Advocacy and Research (CFAR) said since media is the biggest reference for any person, hence, it is accountable to be sensitive, objective and not individualistic rather it should be issue-based.
Vikalp Shukla, from AIR Chhattisgarh remarked that radio is still very effective and strong medium of communication.
Harshita Pandey, member of Chhattisgarh State Women Commission said that the narrative from getting sensation yet remains potent enough to capture audience’s imagination and creates impact.
She reiterated that how sensitive journalism can actually create ripple effect and draw in constructive criticism from the highest authorities.
In the end, the panelists and the students reached a conclusion that there was ample scope for the women in popular mass communication media, and together the scenario could change for better. The panelists were given away mementos while the students were given literature on violence against women for their future reference.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Surabhi Singh.