Mumbai, 20 April 2026

 

A one-day workshop titled “Women, Media, and Technology” was organised jointly by the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR), Government of Maharashtra, at the Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan.

Speaking at the event, Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), asserted that it is essential for the media to maintain sensitivity, responsibility, and accuracy when handling subjects related to women. She noted that the media is not just a tool for providing information but a powerful force that shapes the mindset of society.

Dignitaries present on the occasion included Brijesh Singh, Director General of the Information and Public Relations Department; Nandini Awade, Member Secretary of the State Commission for Women; senior journalist Swati Gupta; and author Richa Sood.

Vijaya Rahatkar stated that although women have made remarkable achievements in various fields such as science, technology, defence, administration, and entrepreneurship, challenges still persist. In this context, the role of the media becomes even more important.

She noted that while the speed of news has increased in the digital age, the risk of information being broadcast without verification has also risen. “While delivering news quickly is important, its credibility is far more vital,” she said. She underscored the need to prioritise fact-checking to prevent fake news and misinformation.

Speaking on the topic of “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its Impact on Journalism,” Brijesh Singh, Director General and Principal Secretary of the DGIPR, stated that except for urban areas, the use of AI tools by women is still limited. As a result, existing gender inequality in society is also reflected in AI. Therefore, he emphasised that it is essential to maintain a gender-sensitive perspective while framing policies regarding AI.

Author Richa Sood mentioned that gender-sensitive reporting is not an option but a professional responsibility of every journalist. She expressed the view that positive news about women should be printed on the front page instead of only news about atrocities against them. She appealed to the media not to limit women’s issues to criminal incidents but to present them from social, economic, and strategic perspectives.

Senior journalist Swati Gupta stated that when reporting on crimes against women, the use of appropriate language, respect for the victim, and protection of their identity should be the highest priorities.

She further stated that the National Commission for Women considers the media a partner in social transformation and is committed to bringing about widespread change through dialogue and cooperation. Journalists from Mumbai were present in large numbers at the workshop.

 

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PIB Mumbai | Edgar Coelho/Darshana Rane

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