Bhubaneswar, December 12: A media orientation on “The Role of Media in Promoting Positive Parenting and Positive Masculinity” was held today, bringing together working journalists, media students, and media professionals from across Odisha.

The workshop was jointly organized by UNICEF and the Odisha Women in Media (OWM) to strengthen the capacity of the media to tell stories that promote healthier norms around parenting and masculinity.

Speaking at the session, Sugata Roy, Social and Behaviour Change Specialist, UNICEF Odisha, emphasized that the media is not just a mirror of society but a powerful driver of change.“When the media change its narratives on positive parenting and masculinity, society changes with it. One positive story can influence a million homes,” he said.

Priya Abraham, a core group member of the Odisha Women in Media (OWM), highlighted the role of the media in challenging stereotypes and portraying balanced images of men, fathers, and caregivers.“When we portray balanced, respectful images of men and fathers, we help society redefine what strength and care look like. Journalists must consciously avoid sensationalism and harmful gender portrayals,” she said.

The workshop featured interactive sessions on understanding positive parenting and the importance of non-violent, nurturing approaches; exploring positive masculinity, including emotional expression and shared caregiving; identifying media pitfalls such as stereotypes, victim-blaming, and sensational headlines; and strengthening ethical and responsible reporting on child-related and gender-based issues.

The workshop was attended by members of OWM, journalism students of KIIT School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and Birla Global University.