http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article-southasia.asp?parentid=105641
BANGLADESH: Media urged to help promote gender parity Speakers at women's rights seminar criticize media's portrayal women in a submissive light The Daily Star Friday, March 6, 2009 Women's rights activists at a seminar yesterday called on the mass media to play a key role in improving the status of women in society through raising awareness and portraying positive image of women. The mass media is gradually changing where presence of women are increasing everyday. The media could be a perfect tool to spread the message of women's empowerment, said Maleka Banu of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. The Mahila Parishad organised the seminar on "Patriarchy in the mass media" in the city where the speakers said the media generally portray typical submissive image of women instead of showing their positive image. Filmmaker Fauzia Khan presented the keynote paper at the seminar. Nawajish Ali Khan, adviser to ATN Bangla, said changing mindset and raising awareness are a must for eliminating gender disparity. Women also should come forward to play a leading role in this regard. Fashion designer Shahrukh Shahid said, "Women who work in the media has a role to play too. They have the right to say 'no' and speak out about their representation in the media." Ayesha Khanam, president of the Mahila Parishad, Nasiruddin Yusuf, chairman of Sammilita Sangskritik Jote, M Hamid, CEO of RTV and president of Group Theatre Federation, filmmaker Mustafa Sarwar Farooki, and filmmaker Nurul Alam Atique also spoke. Date Posted: 3/6/2009
