Televisionpoint.com Correspondent | Mumbai
The National Commission for Women (NCW) is campaigning for an amendment to a law governing the portrayal of women in media. Chairperson Girija Vyas discussed the matter with industry professionals and women’s activists recently.
Vyas urged the industry, particularly the electronic media, to ensure that they did not show women in an ‘indecent’ manner. Expressing disappointment over the ‘regressive and stereotypical’ depiction of women in TV serials and ads, Vyas said the NCW would push for an amendment to the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
“Soap operas of the ‘saas-bahu’ kind reinforce gender stereotypes. This can be dangerous because they condition the thought process of the youth. Ads use provocative images of women to sell products that bear no relation to them, while Bhojpuri music albums contain erotic lyrics and dances. Such influences must be curbed. The past few years have seen a steady rise in crimes against women and the media has the power to influence a change in mindset.” Vyas said.
Supreme Court advocate Aparna Bhat has drafted the proposed amendments on behalf of the panel. “We recommend the institution of an advisory council comprising women’s organisations and advertising professionals. This panel should install screening committees to filter advertisements that are in bad taste.” said Bhat.
Using a two-pronged strategy, the panel advised the TV and advertising industries to devise a self-regulatory mechanism of censorship. Panelist Mahesh Bhatt agreed that TV wields the widest influence among the media. “I oppose censorship being enforced on creative professionals but news channels and advertisers must self-regulate content.” he said.
Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by Wordpress