The Kerala Women’s Commission has issued a strong call for an overhaul in how the media reports on women, aiming to eliminate gender bias, sexism, and misogyny. In a detailed set of recommendations, the commission stressed the importance of avoiding language and narratives that degrade or stereotype women, urging media outlets to adopt a more respectful and inclusive approach.
Key Recommendations:
- Avoiding Sexist Headlines and Language:
The commission urged the media to stop using demeaning or sensational headlines such as “No more housewives run away” or sexually suggestive terms like “Sexy Sharapova.” It called for a shift in reporting that respects women’s personal choices, avoiding headlines that focus unnecessarily on their private lives, such as “Mother of two eloped with her boyfriend.” - Correcting Stereotypical Terminology:
The commission recommended replacing terms like “housewife” with more neutral language to reflect the true identities of women, beyond their domestic roles. It also called for the elimination of culturally rooted expressions that reinforce outdated gender stereotypes, such as “Valaiyam Bhadram” (which links women to bangles). - Challenging Gendered Work Roles:
The guidelines emphasized dismantling the traditional notion that women are exclusively responsible for domestic duties, such as cooking and childcare, while men dominate fields like education, investment, and the military. - Preserving Dignity Over Style:
The commission criticized the media’s tendency to prioritize catchy phrases or poetic expressions at the cost of women’s dignity. Headlines that frame women’s challenges with biased language, like “women’s intellect is behind,” were identified as harmful and in need of change. - Promoting Gender-Sensitive Vocabulary:
The commission recommended the creation of a gender-sensitive stylebook, which would guide media professionals and public officials in using language that promotes equality and respect for women.
These guidelines reflect a strong move toward reshaping the media’s portrayal of women, ensuring their representation is fair, respectful, and free from bias.
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