Gender sensitisation-ranking of media houses can promote equality: Experts

A gender sensitivity-ranking for media houses and a style sheet on reporting and writing on gender issues are some of the measures proposed on Tuesday to ensure gender equality in the media.

At a special consultation on gender issues in the media, experts and eminent journalists said a ranking on gender sensitivity among media houses can result in the framing of a benchmark on issues related to women in the media.

"A positive step forward would be the ranking on gender-issues and a style sheet which can work as a deterrent on wrong language being used," A.L. Sharada, director of Population First, an organization working in the field of gender sensitisation said.

Flagging major issues concerning women in the media, Ena Singh of the United Nations Population Fund said: "At least a six months paid maternity leave and compulsory committees on sexual harassment are some of the issues which need to be taken to make media more gender friendly."

She said that along with extended maternity leave, flexible timings were also an issue. Men as well as women should be allowed flexi timings so that they can connect with their families.

Sharada said apart from all these issues, proper toilets for women in work places and safe transportation were also crucial issues.

Press Council of India's (PCI) Rajeev Ranjan Nag said he would explore the idea of having a gender sensitisation ranking which would be backed by the PCI.