Womens Health and Role of Media
Dr. Anita Mehndiratta
M
ass media plays a vital and influential role in
every aspect of our life. The impact of media,
both audio and visual, is very important on
all issues related to political, economic, social and
health. This impact creates awareness, imparts
knowledge and brings about changes in our lives.
Even though, women have made real progress, the
goal to realize equality between men & women is still
very far. The woman leader’s signature on visionary
millennium declaration in 2000 has included
increasing school enrollment, decreasing dropouts,
equal wages and improvement in health care,
especially for weaker sections and vulnerable groups.
With the help of celebrities, the Media is bringing all
these to grass root level and helping reach every
nook and corner of rural and urban India.
In India, when we consider issues related to different
areas such as politics, economy, society & health,
media can create both positive & negative waves. By
and large its impact is positive and informative.
The issues such as preventive immunization and
care of pregnant women, importance of breast
feeding, care of elderly and their age related problems
have all been highlighted by media from time to time
and positive impact is appreciable.
Nowadays, media, either government controlled or
private, covers many social and reproductive issues
related to women’s health and a significant change
has come in this regard.
Mass media in India has become powerful tool and
since mid- 90s, the electronic media has created a
positive change in the lives of women. For instance,
regular information and advice on female literacy has
made it possible that now more & more female are
educated and the school/college dropouts have
decreased. Similarly, regarding health issues, the
stress laid down by media on proper diet, preventive
steps like immunization and proper care of pregnant
women etc has brought down maternal mortality and
morbidity to quite low levels.
Consumerism is also very much influenced by mass
media. Men, women and children buy things
advertised on the advice of visual media or on
internet. This has few disadvantages but on the other
hand awareness regarding how not to be cheated is
also there. Media is an important ally in any public
health situation. It serves the role of being the source
of correct information as well as providing advocacy
for correct health behavior.
Still much has to be done and the media should take
a leading role in improving the status of women on all
fronts. Advertisements give knowledge and create
awareness to the extent of moving the women to
seek health care and raise a voice against
discrimination.
Live programs of health experts on maternal health,
nutrition and various other health issues have created
massive change. Many help lines have emerged that
encourage women to seek advice on issues related to
their private lives and health where they may have
otherwise felt too shy to come forward to ask.
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