Having studied several articles as part of the #PeriodsandPatrakars campaign, we have come upon a pattern in the reportage around menstruation in India. This #Thread hopes to evoke and sensitize stakeholders to undertake measures to responsibly report on menstruation.
There are 2 main categories of improvements the media can make:
A.Use Inclusive Language and Evidence Base
B.Expanding the Range of Issues Covered
A.Use Inclusive Language and Evidence Base
B.Expanding the Range of Issues Covered
A.1) Inclusive Positive Language
Across several articles reviewed, it was noticed that when talking about menstruation, the subjects are always referred to as a binary word ‘woman’ rather than its more inclusive alternative ‘menstruators’.
Across several articles reviewed, it was noticed that when talking about menstruation, the subjects are always referred to as a binary word ‘woman’ rather than its more inclusive alternative ‘menstruators’.
A.2) Sensationalism in Headlines
The headline doesn’t serve the purpose of summarizing the piece, rather only acts as clickbait adding no contextual value to clarify that the piece is about menstruation or that it is the ‘karma’ of cooking on a period that’s being talked about.
The headline doesn’t serve the purpose of summarizing the piece, rather only acts as clickbait adding no contextual value to clarify that the piece is about menstruation or that it is the ‘karma’ of cooking on a period that’s being talked about.
B. 1) No conversations Around Policy:
This was an opportunity to zoom out and talk about how menstruators in India have NO policy around menstruation at workplaces and elaborating on the need for nuanced policies and its consequences to unique menstruating body needs.
This was an opportunity to zoom out and talk about how menstruators in India have NO policy around menstruation at workplaces and elaborating on the need for nuanced policies and its consequences to unique menstruating body needs.
B.2) Reportage Around Menstrual Experiences In Volatile Areas
This piece focuses on the need for a gender-friendly response mechanism. The lack of it has layered consequences on menstruators and women. Such pieces in the mainstream make room for well-informed response mechanisms
This piece focuses on the need for a gender-friendly response mechanism. The lack of it has layered consequences on menstruators and women. Such pieces in the mainstream make room for well-informed response mechanisms
The article 'The Case for Media Sensitivity Around Menstruation' where you can find a more detailed account of our research is attached below.
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medium.com/@boondh/the-ca…
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medium.com/@boondh/the-ca…
Look out for more such interesting analyses here. A toolkit of reporting guidelines is underway and we need your help to make it inclusive. If you are a #DBA #Trans or #PwD menstruator/ #journalist #editor reporting on gender, health & sanitation, DM us or reply below.
