Make women-related laws stronger: Manjula

BANGALORE: At the end of the two-day seminar on ‘The Role and Responsibilities of the Media on Women Representation’ organised by the Karnataka State Commission for Women, the participants recommended that the Indecent Representation of Women Act, 1986 be made stronger and women should be a part of the decision making process in various media organisations.The Commission Chairperson Manjula C said that after two days of extensive deliberation on the portrayal of women in the media, the participants of the seminar felt that the Act passed in 1986 is a ‘toothless’ one. “We feel that we need a stronger law to tackle the vulgar portrayal of women in the media. Further, in every media organisation, women should be made a part of the decision making body. Even if we need to introduce reservation, we should make it,” she explained.Speaking at the Valedictory function of the seminar, Motamma, Opposition Leader in the Legilative Council, requested the media to understand its responsibility.  “Media tends to sensationalise news related to women to increase circulation or television ratings. Instead they must do a background check and present a complete story,” she opined.Speaking on the occasion, Vimala Gowda, Deputy chaiperson of the Council, said that media must talk about the achievements of women, portray them as leaders and emphasise their contribution to society.‘Cinema and Internet Need to be Regulated’Journalist A Jayaram said that while newspapers come under the Press Council of India, cinema and the internet are left unregulated. “The internet especially should be subject to reasonable restrictions,” he said.Commenting on the portrayal of women in films, Motamma said that the Censor Board is not functioning well when it comes to cinema.