‘Increase participation of women and marginalized groups in media’

Kathmandu, Aug 29: Rights activists and media workers have demanded an increased participation of women and marginalized groups in mass media.

Taking part in an interaction on ‘inclusive participation in politics and the role of media workers for the leadership’ organised by the Purple Foundation here Friday, they demanded the inclusion in both media contents and workforce.

Dalit rights activist Bhakta Bishwakarma stressed that the both state-owned and private media are warranted to prioritize the participation of the marginalized communities in media contents and media houses, serving the spirit of the Constitution. He advised them to prepare in-house policy towards that end and implement it.

According to a study of the Foundation, the national dailies’ coverage of news relating to leaders from women and marginalized communities is meagre- 15 percent. Worryingly, the coverage of province and local-level leaders is nil.

Journalist and writer Ghanashyam Khadka said though the coverage of issues concerning women and marginalized in media has increased of late, it is still insufficient.