ROLE OF PRINT MEDIA IN EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN: A STUDY OF DISTRICT TOBA TEK SINGH

Print media playing an important role to highlight the rights and problems of women of deprived areas like district Toba Tek Singh situated in southern part of province of Punjab. Women of south Punjab are leading extremely vulnerable life. They do not have even those rights which they deserve from state. This study conducted the in-depth interviews of 20 regular readers of different national dailies to inquire the role of print media to empower the women of Toba Tek Singh. Three objectives were set as to examine the public perception about the policy of newspapers towards women’s empowerment, to explore the role of national dailies to highlight the rights of women of Toba Tek Singh and to highlight the performance of national dailies regarding women’s problems in district Toba Tek Singh. Results revealed that print media is raising the voice for the rights and problems of women. This role of national dailies is needed to make stronger. Government must provide equal opportunities to the people especially women of marginalized areas. They must concentrate on the basic needs and facilities. They must activate the institutes and organizations of women in vulnerable and remote areas.