Kerala Minister Veena George Pushes for Gender Parity in Media.

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Health and Women Development Minister Veena George has called for gender justice and equality in the media industry. Gender Parity in Media Speaking at the National Women Journalists’ Conclave at Mascot Hotel, she pointed out that while women journalists fight for justice in society, they often face discrimination in their own workplaces.

The event was organized by the Information and Public Relations Gender Parity in Media Department in partnership with the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ). It brought together leading women journalists from across India to discuss the challenges women face in media.

Despite more women entering the field, especially in television and digital media, their presence in leadership roles is still low, George noted.She also highlighted the need for media organizations to follow the PoSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Act. She revealed that only 10 media houses, including just two major ones, have registered their required internal committees.

She urged all media organizations to complete this process by March 2025.Journalist Maya Sharma called for workplaces to be more supportive of women, emphasizing that job opportunities should be based on talent rather than gender.

Gender Parity in Media journalists

Rana Ayyub criticized the practice of labeling and sidelining Gender Parity in Media journalists, calling it undemocratic. She also spoke about the harsh criticism women journalists face on social media and praised the Hema Committee’s recommendations on workplace safety, encouraging other states to adopt similar measures.

The event also featured a documentary on M Haleema Gender Parity in Media Beevi, Kerala’s first woman journalist, produced by the Information and Public Relations Department.

The media plays a powerful :- role in shaping public opinion and importance social normal. It gives a voice to the voiceless, uncover injustices, and holds those in power accountable. However, within the industry itself, gender inequality continues to be a serious issue.

With an increase in the number of women journalists, many still face differentiation, lack leadership opportunities, and struggle with workplace challenges.understanding these concerns, Kerala’s Health and Women Development Minister Veena George has strongly advocated for gender justice and equality in media.

She urged media organizations :- to create a fair and inclusive work environment where women journalists are treated with respect and provided equal opportunities.Her message was delivered at the National Women Journalists’ Conclave, organized by the Information and Public Relations Department in collaboration with the Kerala Union of Working Journalists .

The event brought together women journalists from across India to discuss the interference they face and explore solutions for ensuring equal representation in the media industry.

The Reality of Gender Inequality in MediaLike Gender Parity in Media many other industries, the media has seen a rise in the number of women professionals, particularly in digital and visual media. However, despite this progress, women are still underrepresented in leadership roles.

Key editorial positions, decision-making roles, and senior management positions continue to be dominated by men, limiting diverse viewpoints in newsrooms. Women journalists frequently encounter annoyance, gender favor, lower pay, and fewer career growth opportunities.

Their personal experiences :- often reflect the issues they report on—long working hours without adequate safety measures, lack of maternity benefits, and an unsupportive work culture.Addressing these businesses, Veena George highlights that gender equality in media should be a priority, not an afterthought.

She stressed the importance of structural changes within media organizations to ensure that women journalists receive the same opportunities and protections as their male colleagues.