THE INDECENT REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN BY MEDIA: A LEGAL AND SOCIAL CHALLENGE

Abstract

This article explores the indecent representation of women in media, highlighting its legal and social implications. It examines how various forms of media—advertising, film, literature, and digital platforms—objectify and stereotype women, contributing to harmful societal attitudes and reinforcing gender inequality. The discussion addresses existing legal frameworks aimed at regulating these representations, including the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) guidelines and obscenity laws, while critiquing their effectiveness in combating pervasive stereotypes. By analysing the psychological and social impacts of these portrayals on women's self-esteem and societal roles, the article underscores the urgent need for comprehensive legal reforms and increased media literacy. Ultimately, it advocates for a collaborative approach involving policymakers, media producers, and audiences to foster respectful and empowering representations of women, thereby challenging the systemic issues inherent in media portrayals and promoting gender equality.