CA C 1 - Raising Voices

media’s influence
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The Media’s Importance in Shaping Public Perception
Mobilising Communities to Prevent Domestic Violence
media’s influence
Why does it matter how women are perceived?
a) How women are perceived determines how they are treated.
b) How women are perceived determines how they are valued.
c) How women are perceived determines what resources are allocated to women.
d) At a broad level, nation building means striving for a strong democracy. A strong democracy is an
inclusive system that takes into account voices and priorities of every citizen, including women.
Therefore, if we are interested in developing a stronger democracy, women’s rights must be
promoted.
e) Women contribute significantly to the development of the country. If their voices and priorities are
not heard or respected, we will continue to remain in a state of tension socially, economically, and
even culturally.
f) Our country (check applicability) has signed and ratified all major Conventions that articulate a
vision of equality for women and promotion of women’s rights. Even our Constitution affirms
women’s equality and acknowledges inherent rights that all individuals have, including women
(check applicability).
g) All of us live in communities that are affected if women’s needs are ignored.
h) All of us are in personal relationships with women who matter to us and, therefore, their rights
matter to us all.
As a journalist or editor why should you care?
a) Media is a unique business. It influences the hearts and minds of people and, therefore, shapes
people’s perception of reality. As a result, it carries a special responsibility to exercise good
judgment on how that power is used.
b) If the role of credible media is to inform, educate, and entertain the public, then the members of
the media have the responsibility to address issues that are of crucial importance to the public and
objectively analyze their impact on our lives.
c) As individuals, you are in highly privileged positions of influencing the perceptions of a large
number of people. The way you use that power demonstrates your personal integrity and credibility
as a serious journalist or editor.