BANGALORE: Though there is widespread acceptance of gender equality, many still believe men should get preference when it comes to good jobs, higher education or even in some cases the simple right to work outside the home.
In order to stop gender discrimination and to address problems of the falling sex ratio and to create a positive image of the girl child Laadli, a comprehensive campaign was launched by Population First, an NGO focussing on the population and health issues faced by citizens of the country. The fourth Laadli Media Awards for Gender sensitivity have been instituted to acknowledge, highlight and celebrate the commendable efforts taken by print and electronic media and advertising, to support gender-just perspectives. Gender sensitivity helps to generate respect for individual irrespective of sex.
Speaking about the event, Dr A L Sharada, Director of Population First said, “Media plays a vital role in the portrayal of the image of women in society and it has the power to raise the issue. We should involve the media in writing more gender sensitive stories to create more awareness.” To qualify, the entries should have been published or broadcast between July 1, 2010 and December 31, 2011. The last date for receiving entries for the southern region is July 15, 2012.