Indian News Media Needs to Change How It Reports Violence Against Women

Anusha G
7 min readMay 30, 2021

(Trigger Warning: discussion of sexual violence against women, rape, and sexual abuse.)

We turn to news media to stay informed of current events, but knowingly or not, we are also shaping our opinions on key issues. The kind of content we consume can say a lot about our worldviews and what we believe is morally right or wrong.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is prevalent in India. News media plays a significant role in influencing the public perceptions of such crimes and gender roles. But what happens when the media is biased in its reporting, carries its socio-political agenda, and is targeted towards a specific market, just as any other business?

Source: Sajjad Hussain — Getty Images

Gender Inequality in Indian Media

The following report is a Media Rumble initiative, done in partnership with UN Women.

Gender composition by number of articles on gender issues in English & Hindi newspapers.
Gender composition of panels debating on gender issues in Indian TV news.
Gender composition of panels debating on gender issues in TV news.

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Anusha G

Creative Writer | Sex Talk Sunday Series | Film Enthusiast