Discussion on Role of Media in Combating Child Marriage by ActionAid

Report by Bhaskar Pradhan; Bhubaneswar : International Human right organisation named Action Aid in collaboration with UNICEF organised a discussion on the Role of Media in Combating Child Marriage at Lohia Academy, here today.
Media can play a vital role in highlighting the issues related to child marriage and create public discourse on the intensity of the issues. Filed investigation is very vital in this context. Also the view of children can be included while sharing any stories related child marriage. Media can play a role of watch dog in implementation of the law enforced to prevent and prohibit child marriage, says Alka Gupta, Communication Specialist, UNICEF.
Child marriage is a social evil, this require collective efforts for elimination. A journalist needs to have social and human interest to take up this issue. The aspiration of children can be better realised through building education. Says, . Sabyasachi Mahapatra, Noted Film Maker.
The issue of child marriage need to be taken up by the journalist since it violate the rights of children to live with dignity. While reporting on the issue, privacy should be given due importance. Says, Ms Kasturi Mahapatra, Chairperson, OSCPCR.
B N Durga, Programme Officer, ActionAid coordinated the programme and Puspasree Devi; Programme Manager shared the context and objective of the programme. On this occasion, among others were Nalini Patra, Head – Department of Journalism and Mass communication, BJB Autonomous College, Bhubaneswar, Ghasiram Panda, Programme Manager, ActionAid, Sudeshna Mishra, Senior Programme Officer, ActionAid.
Some of the journalist who has been constantly highlighting the issues related on child marriage were felicitated in the occasion. The journalist felicitated in this occasion were Bighenswar Sahu-Samadrusti, Harprasad Dash-Pragatibadi, Prativa Gosh-Prameya, Aiswariya Parija-Nitidin, Bandana Sethi-Dharitri, Trishala Nayak-My City Link, Biswajeet Dash-Amruta Dunia, Monalisha Patasani-Orissa Post, Pradeep Baishakha-Freelancer / columnist, Akshya Swain-Ravivar Sambad, Durgashis-E TV Odia, Hemanta-Times of India, Dillip Subudhhi-Freelancer / columnist, Bhaskara Pradhan-Freelancer / columnist.