Media Must Report on Women with Sensitivity and Responsibility: NCW Chief

Workshop on ‘Women, Media and Technology’ Inaugurated

Mumbai, April 2026: Media is not just a means of providing information but a powerful force that shapes society’s thinking. Therefore, while handling issues related to women, special sensitivity, responsibility, and accuracy are essential, said National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar.

She was speaking at the inauguration of a one-day workshop titled “Women, Media and Technology,” jointly organized by the National Commission for Women and the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations, Government of Maharashtra, at Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan. Director General and Principal Secretary of the Information and Public Relations Department Brijesh Singh, Member Secretary Nandini Awade, senior journalist Swati Gupta, and writer Richa Sood were also present.

Rahatkar noted that although women have made remarkable achievements in fields such as science, technology, defence, administration, and entrepreneurship, they still face many challenges. In this context, the role of the media becomes even more responsible.

She said that in the digital age, while the speed of news dissemination has increased significantly, the risk of spreading unverified information has also grown. “While delivering news quickly is important, its credibility is even more important,” she said, stressing the need to prioritize fact-checking to curb fake news and misinformation.

She appealed that while reporting crimes against women, appropriate language must be used, and the dignity and identity protection of the victim should be the top priority. She also instructed that the identity of victims must not be revealed under any circumstances.

She emphasized that gender-sensitive reporting is not an option but a professional responsibility of every journalist. Journalists must also have accurate knowledge of laws related to women so that reporting remains factual and legally sound.

Rahatkar urged the media not to limit women’s issues only to crime-related incidents but to present them from social, economic, and policy perspectives as well. She also highlighted that avoiding media trials, respecting the judicial process, and bringing the voices of marginalized and grassroots women into the mainstream are key responsibilities of the media.

Noting positive changes in the media in recent times, she welcomed practices such as protecting victims’ identities, giving opportunities to women experts, and consistently highlighting issues like the POSH Act.

She stressed the need to give more visibility to women’s success stories, struggles, and inspiring journeys, saying such stories bring positive change in society and create role models for the younger generation.

She added that the National Commission for Women considers the media a partner in social transformation and is committed to bringing broader change through dialogue and cooperation.

In the introductory remarks, Director Govind Ahanagari said the objective of the workshop is to spread awareness among the public by effectively communicating people-centric government schemes. A large number of journalists from Mumbai attended the workshop.