ROLE OF MASS MEDIA FOR PROMOTING WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN NEPAL

Abstract

The main thrust of this research is to identify and explore the role of mass media (audio, audio-visual and print) for promoting women empowerment in Nepal. Mass media is considered an important and effective means to empower people. Mass media started on the Nepali soil only one and half century ago, compared with four and half century long history of world media. Mass media is a potential agent in the empowerment of women. It influences social, political and economic dimensions of women. As a result, women become capable to encounter the constraints that come across in their way of development process. Effective communication has the potential to enhance women's quality of life, protect them in the fragile environment and create a knowledge-based society that is more responsive to change and development issues. It can lead to the empowerment of women, enabling them to take control of their lives and participate as equals with men in development. Information is power. Communication existed even during the most primitive times as it does now when tremendous changes have come up in this field as a result of the feats accomplished in science and technology. The art and science of using information to one's own advantage is the key to influence the society. In today's world, mass media occupies an important place on socialization process. It has contributed for emergence of public opinions and public images on important issues in the mass society. In fact, mass media plays significant role in socialization of community’s members - influencing their attitude, performance and manner. Women empowerment through mass media is an ideal, realistic and practical strategy. Women are the builder and modular of the nation's destiny