THE ROLE OF MEDIA IN FIGHTING SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE SOCIETY (A CAE STUDY OF ORIENT TV)

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THE ROLE OF MEDIA IN FIGHTING SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE SOCIETY (A CAE STUDY OF ORIENT TV)

ABSTRACT

This research investigates the role of media, with a focus on Orient TV, in addressing sexual harassment within society. Through a comprehensive survey involving 100 respondents, the research examines various demographic factors, including gender, age, occupation, and marital status, to understand how these variables influence individuals’ perceptions of media’s impact on sexual harassment. The findings reveal a predominantly positive outlook, with a significant portion of respondents acknowledging the potential of media coverage to shape public opinion, raise awareness, and encourage victims to come forward. However, an overarching concern arises as 62% of respondents perceive Orient TV as “Not Effective” in fighting sexual harassment. This highlights a critical gap between media initiatives and audience expectations, necessitating a reevaluation of media strategies. The study’s implications extend to practical recommendations for media organizations, policymakers, NGOs, and the wider community to enhance the effectiveness of media in addressing sexual harassment. Theoretical implications emphasize the need for nuanced frameworks considering demographic nuances in understanding the complex relationship between media, public opinion, and societal change. Overall, this study contributes valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on media’s role in combating sexual harassment, providing a foundation for future research and collective efforts toward fostering a safer and more inclusive society.

 

CHAPTER ONE

  • INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Sexual harassment includes such unwelcome sexually determined behaviour as physical contacts and advances, sexually coloured remarks showing pornography, and sexual demands- whether by words or action (Singh, 2009). It is also an unwelcome sexual advance, request, sexual favours and other verbal or physical conducts of a sexual nature that tends to create a hostile or offensive workplace. Violence against women is experienced by women of all ages and social classes, all races, religions and nationalities, all over the world. It is overwhelmingly perpetrated by men (Krug, 2002). It is the most pervasive violation of human rights in the world today. Its forms are both subtle and blatant and its impact on development is profound. But it is so deeply embedded in cultures around the world that it is almost invisible (charlotte, 1997). Violence against women is a manifestation of the historically unequal power relations between men and women, which have led to domination over and discrimination against women by men and to the prevention of women’s full advancement and violence against women is one of the crucial social mechanism by which women are forced into a subordinate position compared with men (United nations, 1993).

The United Nations declarations on violence against women provide a basis for defining gender based violence. According to articles 1 of the declaration, violence against women is to be understood as: “Any act of gender- based violence that results in, or is likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivations of liberty whether occurring in public or private life (United Nations, 1996). The experience or threats of violence affects the lives of millions of women worldwide, in all socio-economic and educational classes, cutting across boundaries of wealthy race, religion and culture thus violating and impairing or nullifying the enjoyment by women, of their human right and fundamental freedom. Every form of violence are threat to women and limit their ability to make choices about their lives. At a 12- country workshop, held in china on women’s non formal education, participants were asked to name the worst aspect of being female: fear of male violence was the almost unanimous answer (Heise, 1992).

Acts or threats of violence, whether occurring within the home or in the community or perpetrated or condoned by the state, instil fear and insecurity in women’s lives and are obstacles to the achievers of equality and for development and peace. The fear of violence, including harassment is a permanent constraint on the mobility of women and limits their access to resources and basic activities. High social, health and economic costs to the individual and society are associated with violence against women. Violence against women improvise society economically, politically and culturally, by limiting the active role that women can make in the development of their community. Violence against women is one of the crucial mechanism by which women are forced into a subordinate position compared with men.

Sexual harassment is one of the forms of sexual exploitation of women that occurs in the workplace or in an educational setting under certain conditions. It is one person inflicts upon another. Such behaviour is illegal if it creates an environment that is hostile or intimidating, if it interferes with a person’s work or school performance, or if acceptance of harasser’s behaviour is made an achievement. Perceptions differ about what behaviours constitute sexual harassment. However, typical examples of sexual harassment includes sexual oriented gestures, jokes or remarks  that are unwelcome, repeated and unwanted sexual advances; touching or other unwelcome bodily contact and physical intimidation. Sexual harassment can occur when one person has power over another and uses it to coerce the person to accept unwanted sexual attention. It can also occur among peers for example, if a co-worker repeatedly tell sexual jokes, post phonographic photos, or make unwelcome sexual innuendos to another co-worker (Martha, 2003).

Women were sexually harassed long before there was a term for it under slavery. African- American women were sexually used by white masters been targets of sexual abuse since industrialization, women working in factions and offices  have  to endure sexual comments and demands by bosses and co-workers as the price for economic survival. As been sexually prey to teachers for as long as they have been allowed to be educated. On the streets and in the homes, sexual pressures that women are not in a position to refuse have been invisible but pervasive. The exchange of sex for survival conditions of Coercion that defines prostitution has also marked women and men’s unequal relations throughout and forms that violence (Martha, 2003).

Sexual violence is a major dehumanizing and serious emerging public health problem. It is also a social problem that affects thousands of people each year throughout the world, and adolescents seem to be the most affected victims due to their vulnerability (Center for Disease Control, 2011). About one hundred and fifty  million girls below the age of 18 are said to have  had experience of some  form of sexual abuse  (WHO, 2012).  Researches also shows that 6 out of 10 sexual violence actions is done against girls between the age of fifteen or  younger. Despite these high figures, they are still an underestimation of figures as a good number of sexual violence cases are never reported to the relevant establishment due to fear, shame and bias. (Sandra & Bloom, 2005).  The male counterparts are not left out as well, although females seem to bear the largest brunt of the problem. Sexual violence can have long lasting, harmful consequence on it victims, their relatives, friends, and communities. Of all forms of violence that women can assume, sexual harassment is the most ubiquitous and insidious, all the more so because it is deemed “normal” behaviour and not an assault on the female entity. It affects women in all settings whether public or private and has psychological, medical, social, political, legal and economic implications. Instances of sexual harassment should be contused as a gendered aggression against the rights and dignity of women. The fact that its promiscuous effects are visible globally, discounts any effort to view it with less gravity that it deserves (Srinivasan, 1998).

Power and status differences are almost at the heart of sexual harassment. Harassment has a desire to exert control, humiliate, achieve and maintain dominance. A belief that women are inferior and should be kept in a submissive role is often part of a harassers’ mentality. The variable that gives rise to sexual violence are undoubtedly numerous and complex. Gender based socialization and social control at the family and societal level is at the root of sexual violence against women. The discrepancy between the norms, values, expectations and sanctions imposed on girls and those on boys because of the socially structured gender inequality is a critical factor. Men are given unlimited freedom right from childhood. Sanctions are imposed only on the girls and almost none on boys. Therefore, sexual harassment can be perceived as an outgrowth of gender biased socialization process and a mechanism by which men assert power and dominance over women.

Media plays a significant role in shaping notions about gender roles and gender identities. The portrayal of violence against women such as sexual harassment in any of the media advertising, films and newspapers as something normal has aided sexual harassment. Reporting of sexual offences is one of the most effective way of showing where power lies in our society. It lays in the hand of the image makers men. To accept the media makers excuses that we are not creating reality, we are only reflecting it, is to accept that sexual violence against women such as sexual harassment is a fundamental part of the relationship between the sexes (thus deserving accurate reflections) rather than a symptom of the way men and women are taught to view each other. (Davis et al, (ed) 1987). Mass media provide information for people at large so that there is acceptance of an idea to create interest. Mass media have come to occupy the position of eminence in the world today as it constitutes the nexus that controls the over-all socio-economic and political Development of every society.

1.2 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEM

Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue that affects individuals across various societies and cultures. It is a form of gender-based violence that can have severe physical, emotional, and psychological consequences for the victims. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the role of media in addressing and combating sexual harassment. The media, including television, newspapers, and online platforms, have the potential to raise awareness, challenge societal norms, and empower individuals to take a stand against sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment remains a significant problem in many societies, including cases that go unreported or unnoticed due to various reasons such as fear, social stigma, and lack of awareness. While the media can play a crucial role in addressing this issue, there is a need to understand the specific contributions and strategies employed by media organizations in combating sexual harassment. This study aims to explore the role of Orient TV, a prominent media outlet, in fighting sexual harassment and examine the effectiveness of its efforts in creating awareness, promoting dialogue, and supporting victims.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The general objective of this research is to examine the role of media in fighting sexual harassment in the society (A case study of Orient Tv). The specific objectives of this research are:

  1. To examine the role of media in addressing and combating sexual harassment in society.
  2. To analyze the strategies and initiatives implemented by Orient TV in fighting sexual harassment.
  3. To assess the effectiveness of Orient TV’s efforts in raising awareness, promoting dialogue, and supporting victims of sexual harassment.
  4. To identify the challenges and limitations faced by media organizations in addressing sexual harassment.
  5. To provide recommendations for enhancing the role of media in fighting sexual harassment based on the findings of the study.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

To achieve the above objectives, this study will address the following research questions:

  1. How does the media contribute to addressing and combating sexual harassment in society?
  2. What strategies and initiatives has Orient TV implemented to fight sexual harassment?
  3. What is the effectiveness of Orient TV’s efforts in raising awareness, promoting dialogue, and supporting victims of sexual harassment?
  4. What are the challenges and limitations faced by media organizations in addressing sexual harassment?
  5. What recommendations can be made to enhance the role of media in fighting sexual harassment based on the findings of the study?

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the role of media in addressing social issues such as sexual harassment. By focusing on a case study of Orient TV, it will provide insights into specific strategies that media organizations can employ to combat sexual harassment effectively. Secondly, the findings of this study can be utilized by media organizations, policymakers, and advocacy groups to develop more targeted and impactful interventions in fighting sexual harassment. Finally, it is hoped that this research will raise awareness about the importance of media in promoting a safe and inclusive society.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study will focus on the role of media in fighting sexual harassment, with a specific case study of Orient TV. The research will be conducted using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including interviews, surveys, and content analysis. However, it should be noted that the study has certain limitations, including the potential bias in the selection of participants and the generalizability of the findings to other media organizations or contexts.

1.7 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

The study will be organized into five chapters. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, including the background, problem statement, objectives, research questions, significance, scope, and limitations of the study. Chapter Two presents a review of relevant literature on the role of media in addressing sexual harassment. Chapter Three describes the research methodology, including the research design, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques. Chapter Four presents the findings of the study, followed by a discussion of the results. Finally, Chapter Five provides the conclusions, recommendations, and suggestions for future research.

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