#Womeninmedia aims to bring more women experts for participation in panel discussions, television debates and news based media programmes. The project is designed to address the underrepresentation of women in panel discussions especially on topics that extremely gender relevant.
Background
According to the five-yearly Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP), in 2015, women comprised only 24% of the people are appeared in the newspaper, television and radio news the same level found in 2010. In 2015, an International Federation of Journalists survey on media and gender in India showed that only 6.34 percent of respondents felt that women were depicted as experts/leaders in news programmes; 21.73 percent said they were depicted as victims. [1]
In 2016, the websites SheThePeopleand Safecity released results of a survey of over 100 conferences, events and television shows that revealed that women are mostly approached for comments on women’s issues. They recorded a quarter or less women panellists on news channels: 26 percent on CNN-News18, 25 percent on NDTV 24×7, 18 percent on Times Nowand 12 percent on others. The highest numbers of women panellists were invited to discuss sexual violence: 39 percent, followed by 26 percent on panels on crime and social issues. Women’s views were least heard on technology (14 percent) and industry (12 percent). [2]
Plan of Action
We have curated a list of women experts who have already appeared for panel discussions. This list can be used as a go-to resource by program coordinators in media channels to access expert women to participate in media programmes. We need more female voices to be heard across all media platforms to ensure a balanced viewpoint is presented.
In addition to the existing experts, #womeninmedia invites new panelists who can bring their subject matter expertise to a larger audience with clarity. This is facilitated by submitting a three-minute video to our facebook page. In the video, clearly voice the women opinion on a relevant topic from the specific field.
In addition to media programs, this list could also be used by event coordinators to get expert women for speaking engagement for conferences.
Reference
- https://www.firstpost.com/india/on-indias-prime-time-tv-debates-women-are-heavily-under-represented-republic-tv-and-times-now-worst-culprits-4357475.html
- http://www.indiaspend.com/on-indias-prime-time-tv-debates-women-are-mostly-invisible-36567/
Curated List of Legal Women Experts
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Arya V. John
Area of Expertise: law, Social Issues
Bio: Arya V. John is a graduate law student and a media watcher. She graduated from Kerala Law Academy Law College, Thiruvananthapuram. She has been actively participated in the strike against the law academy.
Resources: Facebook
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Indira Raveendran
Area of Expertise: Law, Politics
Bio: Indira Raveendran is a lawyer and CPI leader. She is the member of CPI State Council and Kerala Mahila Sanghom state working president. She is also a legal consultant and expert for handling gender issues.
Resources:http://cmsenvis.cmsindia.org/newsletter/enews/NewsDetails.asp?id=37540
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Area of Expertise: Law, Politics
Bio: Swapna is an advocate and a politician represented congress party. She is also the General secretary of District Congress Committee (DCC) and the Member of Youth Commission, Thiruvananthapuram. Her interest includes gender related issues of media representation and public seminars.
4-
Malavika B. Pillai
Area of Expertise: Law
Bio: Malavika is doing masters in law at O.P Jindal Global University. Currently she is working with GILabs as an associate on Stop Digital Violence against women and children. Her focus is to help women to file case against the violence they face in online media and thereby reducing cyber violence in the future. The steps undertaken for this purpose are starting helpline and support cell for reporting cyber violence, forwarding the case to cyber wing and to provide legal assistance
Resources: https://gilabs.in/people/malavika-b-pillai/
5-
Veena S. Nair
Area of Expertise: Politics, Anchoring, Law
Bio: Veena S. Nair is an advocate and an anchor. She works at Indian National Congress and Indian Youth Congress. She contested in the local body election as a UDF candidate in 2015.
Area of Expertise: Politics, Anchoring, Law
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Radhika P. K
Area of Expertise: Law
Bio: Radhika P.K is one of the best lawyer in Kochi and have expertise in property, criminal, family, divorce and consumer cases. She is a leading advocate in Kochi courts and also experts for panel discussions in television debates.
https://youtu.be/iKs3w4OxHMs?list=PL1JdBNTBq1KYGxZIEffY3OzKJ8Hell1M_
Resources: http://topadvocate.in/lawyers/temp-profile/1206
7-
Sunitha Vinod. K
Area of Expertise: Law
Bio: Sunitha Vinod is a lawyer and a media watcher. She have many years of successful court experience in handling property, criminal, family, divorce and consumer cases.
Resources: http://www.highcourtdirectory.com/Profile/966
8-
Ranjini
Area of Expertise: Acting, Law
Bio: Ranjini is a former actress of Malayalam. She was active in the industry during late 80’s and early 90’s. Apart from Malayalam she has also acted for other south Indian language films. Currently she works as a Joint Director in an overseas education in Kochi, Kerala. She is a lawyer in profession and her birth name is Sasha Selvaraj. Her first Malayalam film was Swathi Thirunal in 1987, directed by Lenin Rajendran, the film was a critical success. She went on to act Malayalam films like Chithram, Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu(1988) and Kottayam Kunjachan (1990).
Resources:
http://www.veethi.com/india-people/ranjini-profile-1990-14.htm
https://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/news/2014/ranjini-in-koothara-ring-master-130313.html (Photo source
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Noorbina Rasheed
Area of Expertise: Law, Gender, Politics
Bio: Noorbina Rasheed is a politician and a lawyer. She is the National General Secretary of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and was the former member of the State Women’s Commission.
Resources: http://www.kvartha.com/2013/11/women-leaders-in-muslim-league-might-be.html
10
O. M Shalina
Area of Expertise: Law, Social Work
Bio: O. M Shalina is a lawyer and a social activist. She is a media watcher and represented Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Her interests and work cover law, social works and media representation. She is expert for panel discussions in television debates
https://youtu.be/3-E5S04xYls?list=PL1JdBNTBq1KYGxZIEffY3OzKJ8Hell1M_
https://youtu.be/lvP1FMFwD90?list=PL0GkM7FWXu2kzUalJjs4GuMR6YwqaNtBK
https://youtu.be/eAO8sGvxdC4 https://youtu.be/sk56ksaTNuA
https://youtu.be/FqAYg3CSdyw https://youtu.be/RnGn1eMSqaE?list=PL0GkM7FWXu2kzUalJjs4GuMR6YwqaNtBK
11-
Fathima Thahilia
Area of Expertise: Religion, Gender Activities, Law
Bio: Fathima Thahiliya is the General Secretary of ‘Haritha,’ girl’s wing of Muslim Students Federation (MSF). She is also a lawyer and student activist.
Resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ibms49vsPY
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Mary Kunju John
Area of Expertise: Law
Bio: Mary Kunju John is a Lawyer and media- watcher. She has more than 29 years of experience in handling matters related to Civil Laws and Criminal Laws, among other areas. She is enrolled with the Bar Council of Kerala since 1989, and resides in Thiruvananthapuram. Advocate Mary Kunju John is well regarded in the legal community.
Resources: https://shops.nowfloats.com/India/Stores-in-Trivandrum/
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T. B Mini
Area of Expertise: Social Work, Law
Bio: Mini T.B is an advocate and has many years of successful court experience in handling property, criminal, family, divorce and consumer cases. She is also the member of the District Auto rickshaw Union Co-ordination Committee and the Trade Union Congress State Secretary.
https://youtu.be/2XScbmNLC-A?list=PL1JdBNTBq1KYGxZIEffY3OzKJ8Hell1M_
Resources:
http://topadvocate.in/lawyers/temp-profile/1520
http://topadvocate.in/lawyers/temp-profile/1520
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Asha Unnithan
Area of Expertise: Law, Writing, Social Issues
Bio: Asha Unnithan is an Advocate at Thrissur bar Association and Managing Director of an Alternate Women Magazine(Gargi). She is also an activist and a writer. Currently Asha doing her PhD in Criminology.
Resources: https://twitter.com/advasha
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Bindu Krishna
Area of Expertise: Politics, Law
Bio: Bindu Krishna is a political leader from Kerala. On 18 December 2016, she took the charge as President of Kollam District Congress Committee. She was the second woman DCC President of Kerala’s history. In 2010 she was nominated to be president of Kerala State Mahila Congress. Prior to her political career she was practicing as an advocate in Kollam district bar. Bindu Krishna has been nominated president of the State Mahila Congress.
Resources: http://www.aimc.in/organisation/
WOMEN IN MEDIA
EXPERTS IN POLITICS
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Lathika Subhash
Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Lathika Subhash is a senior Congress leader. She is the General Secretary of the Executive Committee of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) and the Vice President of Mahila Congress.
Resources: http://kpcc.org.in/member/190/lathika-subhash/gallery.html
2
Indira Raveendran
Area of Expertise: Law, Politics
Bio: Indira Raveendran is a lawyer and CPI leader. She is the member of CPI State Council and Kerala Mahila Sanghom state working president. She is also a legal consultant and expert for handling gender issues.
Resources:http://cmsenvis.cmsindia.org/newsletter/enews/NewsDetails.asp?id=37540
3-
Swapna George
Area of Expertise: Law, Politics
Bio: Swapna is an advocate and a politician represented congress party. She is also the General secretary of District Congress Committee (DCC) and the Member of Youth Commission, Thiruvananthapuram. Her interest includes gender related issues of media representation and public seminars.
4-
K. K Shailaja
Area of Expertise: Politics, Teaching
Bio: Smt. K. K Shailaja Teacher, Honorable Minister for Health and Social Justice. She Was Chief Editor of “Sthree Sabdam” and also worked in Sivapuram High School in Kannur as Science Teacher earlier. Shailaja Teacher entered politics through Students Federation of India (SFI) activities and later become a member of CPI (M) Central Committee. She is the State Secretary of All India Democratic Women’s Association and Joint Secretary of its Central Committee. She has authored two books- “Indian Varthamanavum Sthreesamoohavum” and “China- Rashtram, Rashtreeyam, Kazhchakal”.
Resources: https://kerala.gov.in/k-k-shailaja-teacher
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U. Prathibha Hari
Area of Expertise: Politics, Social Works
Bio: Prathibha Hari is a Politician and Current Member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly of Kayamkulam, representing LDF. She is graduated from M.G University and also an Advocate. Prathibha held the position of Panchayat President at Alapuzha District and former President of Thakazhy Grama Panchayat. Her works involved in save Pampa (Varattar) campaign and numerous nature preservation programs mainly focused in Alapuzha District. Her candid body language and ability to mix amongst the cross section of society won her accolade and candidature in Kayamkulam constituency.
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prathiba_Hari
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J. Mercykutty Amma
Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Smt. J. Mercykutty Amma, Hon’ble Minister for Fisheries, Harbour Engineering and Cashew Industry. She held various positions in CITU and in Communist Party of India (Marxist). She was the District Committee President of Matsyathozhilali (Fishermen) Federation, Kollam upto 2012 and was the State Vice President during 1987 to 2005. She was also the District treasurer of Coir Workers Union, Kollam upto 1989 and the President of Khadi Workers Federation. She was also the Chairperson of Kerala State Co-operative Federation for Fisheries Development Ltd. (Matsyafed). Now, Member, State Committee CPI (M); All India Vice President and State Secretary, CITU; Vice President, Kerala Cashew Workers Centre.
Resources: https://kerala.gov.in/j-mercykutty-amma
7
M. C Josephine
Area of Expertise: Politics, Gender Issues
Bio: M. C Josephine is the Chair Person of the Kerala State Women’s Commission and Greater Cochin Development Authority. She is also the the vice president of All- India Mahila Association and central committee member of Communist Party of India (Marxist). She has been active in gender issues and panel discussions in television channels.
Resources:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/josephine-is-womens-panel-chief/article18579032.ece
http://currentaffairsnews365.blogspot.com/2017/05/mc-josephine-kerala-womens-commission.html (Photo credits)
8
Veena S. Nair
Area of Expertise: Politics, Anchoring, Law
Bio: Veena S. Nair is an advocate and an anchor. She works at Indian National Congress and Indian Youth Congress. She contested in the local body election as a UDF candidate in 2015.
9-
Shobhana George
Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Shobhana George is a three time Member of the Legislative Assembly of the state of Kerala, who represented the constituency of Chengannur in the 9th, 10th and 11th Legislative Assemblies. Shobana was the first female president of the Akhila Kerala Balajan Sakhyam. She was also the first female General Secretary of the State Youth Congress Committee and has served as a Joint Secretary of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee. She has also served as a Senate Member of the Kerala University. Following her expulsion from the Indian National Congress, she joined the Democratic Indira Congress (Karunakaran) where she served as the General Secretary.
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shobhana_George
10
C. S Sujatha
Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: C. S Sujatha was a member of the 14th Lok Sabha of India. She represented the Mavelikkara constituency of Kerala and the member of Communist Party of India (Marxist). She is the CPI(M) candidate for the assembly election on 13 April 2010 at Chengannur constituency.
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._S._Sujatha
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T. N Seema
Area of Expertise: Politics, Social work, Teaching
Bio: Dr. T.N Seema is a teacher, social worker and politician, who is a former Member of Parliament for Rajya Sabha elected from Kerala representing Communist Party of India (Marxist). Currently she is the vice chairman and CEO of Haritha Keralam Mission. She has done many research programs on Anganwadi Centers, Decentralized Planning, Gender Study Manula, N.R.E.G.A and Self Help Groups (S.H.G). She has been an editor of a women’s monthly, “Sthreesabdam” as a member of State Executive Committee of Kudumbashree Poverty Alleviations. Her publications includes: “Women and Local Planning” in Malayalam in 1997, “Globalisation and Women in 2000 and Edited “Equality in Development” in 2000, “Gender Status Study” in 2000, “Neighbourhood Collective” in 1999, “Peoples Plan Campaign and Womens Advancement” in 2000 and the poetry collection“ Hrudayagaveshanam” in 2012.
Resources:
http://www.elections.in/political-leaders/tn-seema.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._N._Seema
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Suma Balakrishnan
Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Suma Balakrishnan is a politician and media watcher from Kerala. She is the General Secratary and Executive Committee Member of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).
Resources: http://kpcc.org.in/member/377/suma-balakrishnan/gallery.html
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K. K Rema
Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: K. K Rema is the RMP Leader and the wife of late T.P Chandrasekaran. Officially she is a banker. She was the State Vice President of SFI and the member of the SFI’s Central Committee.
Resources:https://ml.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%86.%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%86._%E0%B4%B0%E0%B4%AE
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Sarah Joseph
Area of Expertise: Writing, Politics
Bio: Sarah Joseph is a novelist and short story writer in Malayalam. She is the recipient of Kendra Sahitya Akademi award and Vayalar award for the Novel Aalahayude Penmakkal. Sarah has been at the forefront of the feminist movement in Kerala and is the founder of Manushi (organisation of thinking women). She joined the Aam Aadmi Party in 2014 and contested the 2014 parliament elections from Thrissur. Some her publications include: Novel: Thaikulam, Aalahayude Penmakkal, Maattaathi, Othappu; Short stories: Manassile Thee Matram (1973), Kadinte Sangeetham (1975, anthology of short stories), Paapathara, Oduvilathe Suryakanthi, Nilavu Nirayunnu.
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Joseph_(author)
15-
P. K Sreemathi
Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: P.K Sreemathy Teacher a politician and a member of Communist Party of India (Marxist). She is the Member of the Indian Parliament, representing Kannur Constituency. Currently is the State Secretary at All India Democratic Women’s Association and the Member of C.P.I (M) National Committee. Sreemathy teacher is a controversial politician in Kerala politics. She has been active in social life for the past 30 year. She was the member and standing committee chairperson in the Kannur District Council, President of Kannur District Panchayat and the State Secretary of All India Democratic Women’s Association. She also held the position of Health Minister (2006–2011) at Kerala Legislative Assembly. She actively involved in the Pain and palliative Care and for the welfare of women and child development.
Resources: http://www.veethi.com/india-people/p._k._sreemathy-profile-5865-19.htm
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Jameela Prakasam
Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Jameela Prakasam is a member of J.D (S) party and represents Kovalam constituency. She is the member of 13th Kerala Legislative Assembly. She entered politics as the vice chairperson of Kerala University Union (1972). She worked as the Deputy General Manager at State Bank of Travancore (SBT), Thiruvananthapuram branch. In March 2011, she voluntarily retired from service to become a full time politician and activist.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jameela_Prakasam
http://electiontrain.com/Election/MoreAboutCandidate/420 (Photo credits)
17-
Lali Vincent
Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Lali Vincent is the Vice President of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) and Member of All India Congress Committee (AICC). She was the former Consultative Member of Food Corporation of India and Wise Chairman of Kerala Students Union (KSU).
Resources:
http://www.mathrubhumi.com/tv/ReadMore/19709/mayor-candidate-lali-vincent-and-suresh-babu-withdraws/E
http://kpcc.org.in/member/522/laly-vincent/gallery.html
https://www.facebook.com/laly.vincent.3
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Shama Mohamed
Area of Expertise: Politics, Dentist, Journalist, Entrepreneur
Bio: Shama Mohamed is a Dentist, Journalist, Anchor, Entrepreneur and a politician. She is a member of Indian National Congress and professionally a dentist. She is a spoke person and also an anchor.
Resources: https://twitter.com/drshamamohd?lang=en
19-
Chintha Jerome
Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Chintha Jerome is the Vice President of the Student Federation of India, the Left’s student organization. She was the woman leader in SFI after Sindhu Joy. She is also the state secretariat member of the DYFI and is now appointed as the State Youth Commission Chairperson. She is the first female chairperson to be so.
Resources:
http://ksycjobs.com/ (Photo Credits)
https://medium.com/women-in-politics/prameela-sasidharan-8cef0aeebb5e
20
Annie Raja
Area of Expertise: Politics, Gender Issues
Bio: Annie Raja is a CPI leader and a media watcher. She is the General Secretary of National Federation of Indian Women(NFIW), a communist Party of India (CPI).
https://youtu.be/j1DrUB8HEPk?list=PL1JdBNTBq1KYGxZIEffY3OzKJ8Hell1M_
Resources: http://www.topnews.in/law/indian-women-facing-war-situation-annie-raja-2165263
21
Soumini Jain
Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Soumini Jain is the Mayor of Kochi Corporation and the Councilor of Elamkulam Division (54), Kochi. Elected as the Councillor of Ravipuram Ward 61 and Chairperson of the Standing Committee of Roadworks under Cochin Corporation. Soumini Jain took part an active role in SMART CITY PROJECTS, KOCHI and Organised Kudumbasree groups in Women Empowerment Programs. Also Organised Saksharatha classes in the division at Ravipuram for spreading literacy for those who were deprived of education due to several reasons. During 2010–2015 she played an important role on the projects for Roads, Drains, Public Buildings, Crematoriums, Brahmapuram Plant and Parks.
https://youtu.be/Bl-p9brCFOQ?list=PL1JdBNTBq1KYGxZIEffY3OzKJ8Hell1M_
Resources:
https://www.facebook.com/souminijain
22-
Jazla Madassery
Area of Expertise: Politics, Media
Bio: Jezla Madassery is a student, anchor and the Vice President of KSU in Malappuram district. She is also the former Jawahar balajanavedi state vice president at Indian National Congress.
https://youtu.be/c78SVWhheU8?list=PL1JdBNTBq1KYGxZIEffY3OzKJ8Hell1M_
Resources: https://www.facebook.com/jazlabeenu.madasseri?lst=100013709284447%3A100007496048153%3A1517479804
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Shahida Kamal
Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Currently Shahida serves as a KPCC Executive member. Shahida had occupied the posts of KSU state executive panel, Youth Congress state general secretary, Mahila Congress national general secretary and also was an AICC member. She had contested the 2009 Lok Sabha elections from Kasargod seat and the 2011 Assembly polls from Chadayamangalam seat.
https://youtu.be/c78SVWhheU8?list=PL1JdBNTBq1KYGxZIEffY3OzKJ8Hell1M_
24-
M. Haripriya
Area of Expertise: Politics, Gender Activities
Bio: Haripriya is the State General Secretary of Mahila Congress. She is also the Member of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).
Resources: http://www.jaihoon.com/15659.htm?doing_wp_cron=1509261627.8290579319000244140625
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P. P Divya
Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Divya is the vice president of Kannur district Panchayat. She is also a social worker and a youth leader of Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI). She is an expert for panel discussions in television debates.
Resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm1ebZhScME
26
Shobha Surendran
Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: Shobha Surendran is an aspiring political leader from Kerala, who belongs to Bharatiya Janata Party. Shobha currently serves as the National Executive Member of BJP and has acted as the State President of BJP Mahila Morcha. She is the first women BJP leader to held a position at the National level.
27-
Bindu Krishna
Area of Expertise: Politics, Law
Bio: Bindu Krishna is a political leader from Kerala. On 18 December 2016, she took the charge as President of Kollam District Congress Committee. She was the second woman DCC President of Kerala’s history. In 2010 she was nominated to be president of Kerala State Mahila Congress. Prior to her political career she was practicing as an advocate in Kollam district bar. Bindu Krishna has been nominated president of the State Mahila Congress.
Resources: http://www.aimc.in/organisation/
28-
Shanimol Usman
Area of Expertise: Politics, Social Works
Bio: Shanimol is a politician and the first women leader from Kerala to become the secretary of All India Congress Committee (AICC). She also holds an LLB Degree and expert for panel discussions in television debates.
https://youtu.be/q1NOJemCRwk?list=PL1JdBNTBq1KYGxZIEffY3OzKJ8Hell1M_
Resources: http://www.keralaassembly.com/candidate/shanimol-osman/180
WOMEN IN MEDIA
SOCIAL WORK
1
Mini Shajar Khan
Area of Expertise: Social Work
Bio: Mini Shajar Khan is a social activist and the member of Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI). She is actively involve in the social issues and television debates.
2
Amala Shafeek
Area of Expertise: Social Activities, Writing, Management, Research
Bio: Amala Shafeek is a social activist and a media- watcher. She is the head of Staff Development & Quality Specialist. Her area of expertise includes social activism, managemnt, resarch, writing, teaching, leadership and strategic planning. She is the author of “ Njangalude Adukkalapusthakam”.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amala-shafeek-624b05b7
Resources:
https://www.iemalayalam.com/author/amala-shafeek
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amala-shafeek-624b05b7
3
Diya Sana
Area of Expertise: Social Activism
Bio: Diya Sana is a a transgender activist and co- founder of the ‘Pennorumbettal’ forum, based in Kochi. She is also a dubbing artist and the casting coordinator at Casting Agency & Models Management Company. She is an active member of transgender District Justice Committee, Thiruvananthapuram and she is involved in the preparation of a lobby note for integration of LGBTIQ rights and demands into the local governance framework in Kerala
Resources:
http://cds.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Lobby-Note_English.pdf
4
Mini Mohan
Area of Expertise: Social works
Bio: Mini Mohan is a social activist and a media watcher. She works in the Indian National Congress and Project Coordinator at Business Intellence Manger. She is a social worker and studied Mass Communication, Sociology and Psychology at Kerala University.
5-
Hima Sankar
Area of Expertise: Acting, Social Issues
Bio: Hima Sankar is an actress who appears in Malayalam films and short films. She has also directed and performed in many theatrical works. Hima Shankar has started her career as a theater artist later on moving to the Malayalam Film industry. She is found to be an actor with opinion on the current social issues and observed to be outspoken always. Hence, she is a frequent panel member in evening newsroom discussions on social issues.
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hima_Shankar
6
Beena Madhav
Area of Expertise: Social work
Bio: Beena Madhav is a social worker and the Principal of Chempaka International School, Trivandrum. She is one of the Kerala’s reputed preschool specialist.
Resources: http://nskfoundation.org/photogallery2.html
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T. N Seema
Area of Expertise: Politics, Social work, Teaching
Bio: Dr. T.N Seema is a teacher, social worker and politician, who is a former Member of Parliament for Rajya Sabha elected from Kerala representing Communist Party of India (Marxist). Currently she is the vice chairman and CEO of Haritha Keralam Mission. She has done many research programs on Anganwadi Centers, Decentralized Planning, Gender Study Manula, N.R.E.G.A and Self Help Groups (S.H.G). She has been an editor of a women’s monthly, “Sthreesabdam” as a member of State Executive Committee of Kudumbashree Poverty Alleviations. Her publications includes: “Women and Local Planning” in Malayalam in 1997, “Globalisation and Women in 2000 and Edited “Equality in Development” in 2000, “Gender Status Study” in 2000, “Neighbourhood Collective” in 1999, “Peoples Plan Campaign and Womens Advancement” in 2000 and the poetry collection“ Hrudayagaveshanam” in 2012.
Resources:
http://www.elections.in/political-leaders/tn-seema.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._N._Seema
8-
Alice Thomas
Area of Expertise: Social Work
Bio: Alice Thomas is the founder trustee Divine Children’s Home. Alice’s caring work expanded in scope and Divine Children’s Home is a sanctuary for many destitute children who are either orphans or whose parents are mentally or physically incompetent to look after their children. Most of these children attend school. She also doing sewing work and help rendered by compassionate people.
Resources: http://www.divinechildrens.com/index.html
9-
Dr. P. A Mary Anitha
Area of Expertise: Social Issue, Teaching
Bio: Dr. P. A Mary Anitha is chair of the Centre for Empowerment and Enrichment (CEFEE). Her Interest and work cover Seminar & classes : Leadership, Motivation, Corporate Social Responsibility, Prevention of Child Abuse, Laws on Women & Child assault;Social Work : among the differently abled children, destitute Women & children, against child & substance abuse; Faculty Group of FACE (Folklore Arts & Cultural Enlightenment ), Attapadi. She won Women Excellence Award in Social & Community in Unique Times FMB Award in 2016. Her Papers, Books and Publications include: Brand Awareness of Meloxicam Molecule , Mel — od, Tourism Impact on Maldivian Economy, a Study; Strengths & Opportunities of Kerala Ayurveda Tourism, Study materials for the off campus — MBA &BBA Mahatma Gandhi University, Potential of Kerala Ayurveda Tourism: Special reference to Ernakulam District ( International Journal of Research in Commerce & Management (IJRCM)).
Resources: http://www.cefee.org/who_we_are.html
10
Aswathy Nair
Area of Expertise: Social Work, Law
Bio: Aswathy Nair is a social worker, medical representative and a law student. She is the founder of Jwala Foundation, an NGO that provides food and shelter to the displaced and elderly. Aswathy’s future works include coordinating with other social workers across the State and starting a home for the destitute where all inmates can have an inclusive lifestyle and keep themselves occupied at all times.
Resources: http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/society/fire-in-the-belly/article5780866.ece
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P. Aisha Potty
Area of Expertise: Politics, Social Works
Bio: P. Aisha Potty is a politician from Kerala and is the current Member of Legislative Assembly of Kottarakkara, representing LDF. She is a B.sc holder and LLM, Advocate and also a social worker. Aisha Potty is the C.P.I (M) Area Committee Member and Al India Democratic Women’s Association, State Committee Member. She is also the member of All India Lawyers Union National Council and the convener of State Women’s Club Committee.
http://www.niyamasabha.org/codes/13kla/mem/p_aisha_potty.htm
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K. G Thara
Area of Expertise: Disaster Management
Bio: Dr. K. G Thara is the Head of Disaster Management Division which is mainly dealing with training on Disaster Management. She is also a member of the State Disaster Management Authority. And the Head D. M of State Public Information Officer.
Resources: https://www.kerala.gov.in/documents/10180/beb0bc32-2e3b-41a8-87bc-d956d6d1a881
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Aleyamma Vijayan
Area of Expertise: Social Works
Bio: Aleyamma Vijayn is the Co – founder of Sakhi, women’s resources center in Thiruvananthapuram. For several years now, she has been studying and documenting various aspects of gender issues in Kerala and, in the process, becoming a friend, mentor and savior for many women in Kerala. Sakhi has diversified their work to campaign against child sexual abuse, harassment at public places, political reservation for women, gender planning and budgeting, the Domestic Violence Act and so on.
Resources:
http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/society/for-a-fair-deal/article3262432.ece
http://www.yentha.com/news/view/4/Sakhi-A-Woman-Friend
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Muse Mary George
Area of Expertise: Social,Writing, Teaching
Bio: Dr. Muse Mary George is a lecturer in the Malayalam Department of Aluva Union Christian College. Her work “Sthreepaksha Madhyama Patanangal” was published in 2003. The book is a collection of essays critically analyzing the women representation in the printing and visual media. Her essay ‘Kannatikkazhchayude Chathikkuzhikal’ taken from this anthology is included here. Since it is the most ancient and widely and seriously used media in Kerala, news papers deserve more relevance. she points out her finger critically at the way women are being portrayed in the print media. She got Mahila thilakam Award for Selected Malayali woman personalities by the Social Welfare dept, Govt. of Kerala and Assissi Literacy Award
Resources:
http://womenwritersofkerala.com/author.php?author_id=364&lang=en
http://musemarygeorge.uccollege.edu.in/
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Umajyothi. V
Area of Expertise: Teaching, Economics, Human rights
Bio: Dr. Umajyothi is the Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Economics at Government College for Women, Kerala. She is a state rank holder for M.A Economics from Kerala University. She specializes in Development Economics & Human Rights. Her papers published include: Centre-State Financial relations, Financial Ecosystem: Exclusion in inclusion, Cooperative Federalism and Fiscal Transfers, Social Innovation: a shared responsibility, Development with identity-contours of human development, and Responsible Globalization.
Resources: http://isdg.in/academic-council/
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Mallika M.G
Area of Expertise: Research, Teaching
Bio: Dr. Mallika is the Assistant Professor of Economics at Zamorins’ Guruvayoorappan College. She received K.N. Raj Fellowship (C.D.S) for teachers for preparing teaching note for the year, 2012. She participated discussion in Media related to social issues. Her articles includes: “It is not the way to free the students (Kuttikale Inganeyalla Swathantrarakkendathu)” “Leading a wealthy life by using borrowed money” , “The other side of women empowerment”,“Minority right and real backward”, “The unequal strategies in the argument for equality” , “Women empowerment: The need for change in strategies”, “What is goal in favouring Malayalam”? , “The wrong way moving Kerala, the aimless travellers, where we are going?, “Where shall we reach”?, “Feminism: Realities of Kerala”(2012).
Resources: http://www.zgcollege.org/uploads/files/economics_mallika.pdf
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Beena Kannan
Area of Expertise: Business
Bio: Beena Kannan is an Indian sari designer and the CEO of Seematti. Her unique contribution appears to be her efforts to retain the pride of place for saris even in the face of onslaught from Western and North Indian fashions. Beena Kannan attracted attention when the longest ever silk sari created by her (half a km long) entered the Guinness Book of Records and Limca Book of Records in 2007. She has launched her sari designs in UAE (2007) and USA (2009). Her rapport with the weaving communities earned for her a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from Coimbatore Erode Weaving community in 2009. On September 2011, Beena Kannan-designed saris walked the “Swarovski Elements 2011″ Ramp.
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beena_Kannan
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Bettymol Mathew
Area of Expertise: Teaching, Writing
Bio: Dr. Bettymol mathew is the Assistant Professor at NSS Women’s College, Thiruvananthapuram. She is the author of “Kadammanittayude Kavithakal — Oru Sthreepaksha Vayana”. Bettymol Mathew has made a study on these women characters are mentioned in Kadammanittayude Kavithakal- Oru Sthreepaksha Vayana.
Resources:
http://www.puzha.com/malayalam/bookstore/cgi-bin/author-detail.cgi?code=4083
https://onlinestore.dcbooks.com/books/kadammanitayude-kavithakal-oru-sthreepaksha-vayana
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Latha Jayaram Das
Area of Expertise: Mind Power, NLP
Bio: Dr. Latha Das, who is certified trainer of Neuro-linguistic programming(NLP) , Silva Mind Control, and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) . Latha has innate passion for helping people to evolve themselves and go to the next level of success. In 2004 she started her own company called Success Point Training Solutions. During this time she provided life coaching, helping individuals achieve their personal and professional goals.Since 2008 her primary focus has been on providing Practical skill based training for general public. Latha is recognized for her ability to simplify complex ideas into practical skills, for her warm approachable style. She regularly appears in Television channels like Door Darshan, Kairali, Jaihind, Jeevan TV,etc and has trained thousands of people.
Resources:
http://www.mysuccesspoint.com/
http://www.technoparktoday.com/mind-power-workshop-by-latha-das-in-trivandrum/
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P. Geetha
Area of Expertise: Social Issue, Teaching
Bio: P. Geetha is social worker and former Malayalam professor at SNGS College, Pattambi. Her interests includes gender related issues of Media representation and social issues. As a Professor she interested in Malayalam Literature and supervise the researches on the topic ‘Modern trends in Malayalam dramatic literature’. Geetha got UGC Professor of Emiratus Award and working as Emiratus Professor in the Department at 2016–2018.
Resources: http://sngscollege.org/departments/malayalam/
http://www.universityofcalicut.info/news/phd_awarded.pdf
http://www.doolnews.com/tag/dr-p-geetha
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Magline Peter
Area of Expertise: Social Work
Bio: Magline Peter is a social worker, an active community leader and the state Covenor of the Theeradesha Mahila Vedi, the women’s wing of the Kerala Swathantra Malsya Thozhilali Federation (KSMTF or Kerala Independent Fisher workers Federation). She has been key in evolving the strong women’s movement among the fisher people. Magline has a humbling ability to switch from the local to the global, from the seemingly to the massive. Magline herself has participated in agitations with Sardar Sarovar project- affected villagers in the Narmada valley, with dalit and tribal people fighting for land right across India, with people affected by industrial pollution, with the women’s movement
Resources:
http://www.tehelka.com/2009/08/raise-high-the-roof-beams/?singlepage=1
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T. B Mini
Area of Expertise: Social Work, Law
Bio: Mini T.B is an advocate and has many years of successful court experience in handling property, criminal, family, divorce and consumer cases. She is also the member of the District Auto rickshaw Union Co-ordination Committee and the Trade Union Congress State Secretary.
https://youtu.be/2XScbmNLC-A?list=PL1JdBNTBq1KYGxZIEffY3OzKJ8Hell1M_
Resources:
http://topadvocate.in/lawyers/temp-profile/1520
http://topadvocate.in/lawyers/temp-profile/1520
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Sindhu Napoleon
Area of Expertise: Media, Research, Social work
Bio: Sindhu is a PG student of Journalism and Mass Communication at University of Hyderabad and Program Coordinator at Coastal Student’s Cultural Forum — CSCF . Her research interests related to the coastal communication and media specific aspects of the fisherman, dalits, adivasis and other minorities to bring the mainstream of the possibilities of media. As a part of her degree, Sindhu represented by the fisherman community and done a documentary (how the Vizhinjam Harbour project will affect the fisherman’s) on the media exchange program works under the UNESCO, Asia indigenous people’s pact organization’s in Thailand.
WOMEN IN MEDIA
GENERAL STUDIES
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K. P Sudheera
Area of Expertise: Writing
Bio: K.P.Sudheera is a prolific and renowned Malayalam writer adorning an impeccable place in Malayalam Literature with great acclaim and acceptance among large chunk of favorite readers. Her much celebrated literary works embody her essential honesty which is explicitly noted in the manner of writing as in her vision of life, love and relationship. Her wide array of books mostly of romantic fiction genre could conquer and captivate the hearts of readers with intensity and complexity of love and passions hallmarked by the intrinsic musical undertone of heart touching rhythms of love.
Resources: http://kpsudheera.com/about-me/
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Deepa Rahul Easwar
Area of Expertise: Anchor
Bio: Deepa is a successful television host of Malayalam television. She is married to noted television anchor, speaker and activist, Rahul Easwar. Deepa currently works as HR business partner at IDS in Technopark, Kazhakootam, Trivandrum. Deepa has excelled in academics and television anchoring. She is one of the most sought female anchors of Malayalam channels. In 2014 she bagged the national ‘Empowerment of Women — IT’ Award.
Resource – http://www.veethi.com/india-people/deepa_vijayan-profile-5830-17.htm
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Anupama Mohan
Area of Expertise: Journalist
Bio: Anupama Mohan is a Media Consultant at MD Niche Media Consultants and a freelance journalist. She was worked at sub editor journalist in A1 News Network Private Limited and Sub Editor reporter at Metro Vaartha Daily, Vaartha Network Pvt Limited
Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anupama-mohan-192b275a/
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Sona Nair
Area of Expertise: Acting
Bio: Sona Nair is a Malayalam film actress and has acted in many Malayalam television serials, Telefilms, albums, advertisements etc. She is an anchor also. She has judged many reality shows. She has participated in many stage shows, game shows too. In 2004, Sona has received the Best Actress Award in the “Kaveri Film Critics Television Awards” for her role in a telefilm Rachiyamma, telecasted on Doordarshan. She has been chosen as the Best Female Actor in television category of Sathyan Memorial Awards, 2008. In 2006, she won the Best Supporting Actress award in both Kerala State TV Awards and telefilms category of Sathyan Memorial Awards, for her role in Amrita TV’s Samasya. She has also won Best Character actress at Asianet Television awards 2008 & 2011.
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sona_Nair
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Mridula B. Nair
Area of Expertise: Teaching, Psychology
Bio: Dr. Mridula B. Nair is a reputed clinical psychologist and former principal of Mahatma Gandhi College, Thiruvananthapuram. She has been active in conducting classes for women and students. She took classes on the topic “How to handle adolescents’ problems” on the awareness program of Amma Ariyan for mothers and led the class on “Women’s Sexual and Reproductory Health” for women students organized by The Women Study Cell, AKMAS College.
Resources:
http://akmascollege.com/index.php/women-cell/
http://www.dailypioneer.com/sunday-edition/sunday-pioneer/special/campus-convulsion.html
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Lakshmi Priya
Area of Expertise: Acting, Dancing
Bio: Lakshmi Priya is a well known actress in Malayalam. Apart from television serials, Lakshmi has appeared in a number of films. Some of her popular films include ‘Naran’, ‘Lion’, ‘Chakkaramuthu’, ‘Nivedyam’, ‘Bhagyadevatha’ and ‘Kadha Thudarunnu’. Lakshmi being a trained dancer in classical dances like Bharathanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kathakali and Ottanthullal, she was credited with ‘Kalathilakam’ during her school days. She is also part of Disha and Koottu, two social service groups which inculcate leadership qualities in children and also promote organic farming
Resources:
http://cinetrooth.in/2016/01/14/lakshmi-priya-actress-profile-and-biography/
http://www.malayalamcinema.com/star-details.php?member_id=177(Photo credits)
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M. R Jayageetha
Area of Expertise: Writing
Bio: M. R Jayageetha is a popular Malayalam Lyricist and poet in the Malayalam film industry. She is also a research officer in State Planning Board. Beginning her carrier with the film ‘wound’ directed by Rajasenan in 2014. Her works include: Mizhi Thuraku, Varsham, Thilothama; poetry: Idanazhi Doorathil Sambhavichathu, it contains 54 poems with a for
Resources:
https://www.malayalachalachithram.com/listsongs.php?l=11196
http://speedydeletion.wikia.com/wiki/M.R_Jayageetha
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Haritha S. Sundar
Area of Expertise: Social Issue
Bio: Haritha Sundar is MA in Mass Communication and Journalism from EFL University, Hyderabad. She is the CWC and NEC Member of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad(ABVP).
Resources:
https://twitter.com/harithasundar?lang=en
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Kala Shibu
Area of Expertise: Counselling, Psychology
Bio: Kala Shibu is counselling psychologist specializes in teenage and family counselling. She is a teen counselor come out with a book ‘My counselling experience’ which is a path finder for teenagers who transgress from the right path of life. The book is an open picture of Malayali society whom she encountered during her counselling process. The writer persuades us to open up through her revelations of how girls are abused in schools and inside homes.
https://youtu.be/u2mX2s7p0bw?list=PL0GkM7FWXu2kzUalJjs4GuMR6YwqaNtBK
Resources:
http://www.mathrubhumi.com/tv/ReadMore/5044/a-hand-book-for-teens-from-kala-shibu/E
https://malayalam.samayam.com/social-news/kala-shibu-facebook-post-goes-viral/articleshow/61142612.cms (Photo credits)
10
Uma Nair
Area of Expertise: Media, Acting
Bio: Uma Nair is actress who is active in malayalam film and television industries. She started her career in acting with the short film ‘Suryente Maranam’ aired in Doordarshan. Uma became a prominent child artist in serials. A short film titled ‘Daily Hero’ written and directed by Uma became the talk of the town. Her popular films include ‘December’, ‘Hariharan Pillai Happy Aanu’ and ‘James and Alice’. Some of her noted television serials include ‘Mounam’, ‘Makal’, ‘Balaganapathi’, ‘Kalyana Saugandikam’, ‘Kana Kanmani’, ‘Krishna Thulasi’ and ‘Rathri Mazha’.
Resources: http://cinetrooth.in/2017/03/14/uma-nair-actress-profile-and-biography/
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Rani Rajani
Area of Expertise: Psychology, counselling
Bio: Rani Rajani is Clinical Psychologist of the Department of Psychotherapy and Counselling, Sri Ramakrishna Asrama Charitable Hospital. She is expertise in dealing with Diverse Client group including Children, adults, families and couples.She has made expert contributions on developing module for training school teachers for counseling under SCERT, Kerala and conducted workshops, seminars, counselling sessions for school children under various NGOs. Participated in a project by Thrani, a NGO as Counselor for HIV testing. Skills in administrating psychometric testing, diagnostics, psychotherapies and treatment plannings. Providing freelance training and personal counselling services for corporate houses, educational institutions and social organizations
Resources: http://ramakrishnaashramahospital.com/profile/ms-rani-rajani-t/
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Sister Jesme
Area of Expertise: Writing
Bio: Sister Jesme, a Phd in English literature, a former college Principal and author of three books of English poem. She was a member of the Congregation of the Mother Carmelite (CMC) which she left for reasons of emotional torment, after 33 years as a nun. In her book (Amen — The Autobiography of a Nun) Jesme reveals the deep and pervasive decay which has eaten into the vitals of the church and congregation. Her books includes: Amen — The Autobiography of a Nun, Njanum Oru Sthree, Penmayude Vazhikal, Pranayasmarana, Mazhavil Maanam, Njanum Gailum Visudha Narakangalum,and Amen : Oru Kanyaasthreeyude Aatmakadha.
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister_Jesme
https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/sister-jesme/239895 (Photo credits)
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Aswathy J. S
Area of Expertise: Writing
Bio: Aswathy is Content Writer and a Novelist of ‘Swapna Nakshatram’. She has worked in Executive Member at HASKE Foundation and President At YMCA Uni- Y in Trivandrum. Her studies was Political Science at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and B.Sc Physics at H.H. The Maharaja’s College For Women,Trivandrum and Studied B.Sc Physics at Christian College Kattakada. Her publication include: ‘Swapna Nakshatram’ is about the dream of a girls.
Resources: https://www.facebook.com/aswathy.js.7?fref=nf&pnref=story
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Leela Panicker
Area of Expertise: Acting, Dubbing
Bio: Leela Panicker is an Actress and Dubbing Artist in the Malayalam film industry. She is active in media for the panel discussions in gender issues. Her films includes: Galilio (1994), Mattoral (1988), Anavrithayaya Kapalika (2013), Adimakal Udamakal (1987), Rugmini (1989), Ashokante Aswathykuttik (1989), Bhoomigeetham (1993), Aacharyan (1993) , and recently Thilothama (2015). Dubbing includes: Ozhimuri (2012), Ananthavrithantham (1990), and Kariyilakkatupole (1986)
Resources:
https://www.m3db.com/artists/24877
http://screentouchonline.com/bpfUl/dLPLZ/iUUPm/KYmQb/profile_detail.php?profile_id=00890&name=Female+Artiste (Photo credits)
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Jayasree Kishore
Area of Expertise: Writing
Bio: Jayasree Kishore is active in all literary works, including short stories, poems, lyrics writing, etc. She wrote a song for the film Rudrasimhasanam. Her lyrics give the older generation a world of nostalgia and to the new generation a cultural insight that most of them might have never experienced. She also used to write title songs for TV serials. Her publications include: Neerali, Thekke Vathilinte Chavi. ’Anthologies for the poems: ‘Ammi kothanilla’ and ‘Kuruthi Pookkal’.
Resources: http://metrovaartha.com/en/2015/10/13/fragrance-of-sweet-melodies/
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Aparna Prasanthi
Area of Expertise: Media, Writing
Bio: Aparna Prasanthi is a journalist, media watcher, writer and film critic. She obtained a Post Graduate Degree in Journalism from the University of Calicut. Aparna got the Kozhikodan Cinema Book Award for her first book “Chalachithrathazu” in 2017.
https://youtu.be/6rE3GoRo-jA?list=PL1JdBNTBq1KYGxZIEffY3OzKJ8Hell1M_
Resources:
https://malayalam.oneindia.com/feature/aparna-prasanthi-nostalgic-memmories-192441.html
http://www.uniindia.com/aparna-chosen-for-kozhikodan-award/states/news/736933.html
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Vidhu Vincent
Area of Expertise: Media, Direction, Writing
Bio: Vidhu Vincent is a director, writer, Journalist and also a theater activist. She got Kerala State Film Award for Best Director for the featured film debut with the Malayalam film Manhole, the film won two awards including the Best Debutant Director Award for Vidhu Vincent. And Kerala State Television and Journalism Award for Best Director and Best Script Writer for the short film “After the End of Drama”.
https://youtu.be/iKs3w4OxHMs?list=PL1JdBNTBq1KYGxZIEffY3OzKJ8Hell1M_
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vidhu_Vincent
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Usha Thenginthodiyil
Area of Expertise: Acting, Media, Politics
Bio: Usha is an actress and also have a political background.
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Jamida Beevi
Area of Expertise: Religion
Bio: Jamida Beevi, known as Jamida Teacher is the General Secretary of Quran Sunnat Society. Jamida created history by becoming the first Indian Muslim woman to lead the Friday prayer for a mixed-gender congregation at a public place in Malappuram district.
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Thanuja S Bhattathiri
Area of Expertise: Writing
Bio: Thanuja S. Bhattathiri is a famous writer and Administrator of Medical Trust Hospital. Her publications includes: Ente Kazhchakal, Celastial Plane, Grand Finale, Rabiyude Jorasanko House, Nam Marakkathirikkanam, and Thazhvarayil Ninnu Oru Kattu.
https://youtu.be/TLpjCncJW7M?list=PL1JdBNTBq1KYGxZIEffY3OzKJ8Hell1M_
Resources: https://www.facebook.com/thanujabhattathiri (Photo credits)
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P. Ruksana
Area of Expertise: Religion
Bio: P. Ruksana is the president of Kerala chapter of Girls Islamic Organization.
https://youtu.be/c78SVWhheU8?list=PL1JdBNTBq1KYGxZIEffY3OzKJ8Hell1M_
Resources: http://www.jihkerala.org/english/news/p-ruksana-elected-president-gio-kerala
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Mary George
Area of Expertise: Finance
Bio: Mary George is a financial expert and an Economist. She was also the former chairperson of the Kerala public expenditure review committee. She is an expert for panel discussions in television debates
https://www.facebook.com/News18Kerala/videos/1498243546866714
Women in Media
Gender issues
1-
Gomathi Augustine
Area of Expertise: Gender Issues
Bio: Gomathi Augustine is the leader of Pembalai Orumai, a women’s union that had carried out widespread agitation to ensure rights of women plantation workers. . In 2015, Gomathi was elected from the Nallathanni division to the Devikulam block panchayat. She was a member of CPI(M). She quite the CPI(M), accusing the party of not working for the workers’ welfare
Resources:
http://www.deepika.com/News_Latest.aspx?catcode=latestin&newscode=204170 (Photo credits)
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Beena Paul
Area of Expertise: Film Editing, Media, Gender Issues
Bio: Beena Paul is a film editor who works mainly in Malayalam-language films. A graduate of the University of Delhi, she completed a course on film editing from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, in 1983. She is the recipient of two National Film Awards and three Kerala State Film Awards. She has held several positions including the artistic director of International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) and the deputy director of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy. She is married to cinematographer Venu since 1983.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beena_Paul
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kozhikode/of-hypocrisy-and-censorship/article22709425.ece
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M. C Josephine
Area of Expertise: Politics, Gender Issues
Bio: M. C Josephine is the Chair Person of the Kerala State Women’s Commission and Greater Cochin Development Authority. She is also the the vice president of All- India Mahila Association and central committee member of Communist Party of India (Marxist). She has been active in gender issues and panel discussions in television channels.
Resources:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/josephine-is-womens-panel-chief/article18579032.ece
http://currentaffairsnews365.blogspot.com/2017/05/mc-josephine-kerala-womens-commission.html (Photo credits)
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Deedi Damodaran
Area of Expertise: Writing, Gender Issues
Bio: Deedi Damodaran is a screenwriter in Malayalam film industry. She is one of the founding members of Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), the organization for the welfare of women workers of Malayalam movie industry. Her filmography includes: Gulmohar (2008 ), Makal in Kerala kafe ( 2009 ), Nayika ( 2011 )
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deedi_Damodaran
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V. P Suhara
Area of Expertise: Religion, Gender Issue
Bio: V. P Suhara is a feminist, social worker and crusader for the rights of Muslim women. She is the founder of Nisah, an organisation crusading for the rights of women. She has won the 5th Social Service Award of Samakalika Malayalam Vaarik in 2017.
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Sajitha Madathil
Area of Expertise: Acting, Gender Issues
Bio: Sajitha Madathil is a multi-faceted woman: a writer, academician, theatre-artist, television personality, film actress and culture administrator. She is Deputy Secretary of the Sangeet Natak Akademi New Delhi (Academy of Music and Dance, India, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India) till 2014. She has been active in the Malayalam theater and feminist discourse for more than two decades. She is one of the founders of Abhinethri (Actress), the first women’s theater group in Kerala, formed to explore the potential and possibilities of women’s expressions. She got Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actress for acting in Movie “Shutter” 2013, Kerala State Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Best Theatre Book 2010, Kerala State Television Award for best current affairs programme in 2000, Best Children’s Documentary Award by the Kerala State Council for Child Welfare, in 2000, Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Documentary in 2001
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sajitha_Madathil
http://cinetrooth.in/2016/03/18/sajitha-madathil-actress-profile-and-biography/
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Sheetal Syam
Area of Expertise: Gender, Acting
Bio: Sheetal Shyam is a transgender activist and actress. She became the first transgender actress in Indian cinema when she appeared in Ka Bodyscapes (2016) and later worked on Aabhaasam also. Shyam has been actively involved in LGBT rights movement. She confessed in 2017 Kerala Literature Festival that sexual minorities like her are considered outcasts in Indian society and aren’t given their dues.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheetal_Shyam
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/viral-and-trending/110617/transcending-barriers.html (Photo credits)
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Bhagyalakshmi
Area of Expertise: Dubbing, Acting, Gender Issue
Bio: Bhagyalakshmi is a leading dubbing artist, actress and an activist. She works primarily in Malayalam Film Industry. She has a dubbed for more than 2000 films in Malayalam cinema. She received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Biography and Autobiography for her autobiography titled as Swarabhedangal. She also got Kerala State Film Awards for dubbing and Kerala State Television Award for Best Anchor.
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagyalakshmi
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Parvathi T
Area of Expertise: Acting, writing, Gender Issues
Bio: Parvathy T is a media personality , psychologist, actress, writer, anchor, PR professional and social activist. She started her career in anchoring and made her acting debut in 2007 through the Malayalam film Time. Parvathi has 50 plus films to her credit in last decade . She has also associated with ‘Abhinaya’, a theatre group in Thiruvananthapuram. Parvathi is passionate about women’s rights and has supported several survivors of Gender Based Violence (GBV) . Parvathi is working as a PR Consultant for MSL group (clients include Hay Festival, Emirates Arilines etc) and working for Ten Degree North Communications.
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parvathi_T
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J. Devika
Area of Expertise: Research, Gender Studies, Writing
Bio: Jayakumari Devika is a Malayali historian, social critic, and feminist. She currently teaches and researches in Centre for Development Studies, Trivandrum as an associate Professor and has authored several books, and articles on gender relations in early Kerala society. She is bilingual and has translated both fiction and no-fiction books between Malayalam and English. Also she writes on contemporary politics and culture in Kerala on the team blog www.kafila.org. Her notable works are Kulasthreeyum, Chanthappennum, and Undayathengane
https://www.facebook.com/mathrubhumidotcom/videos/10156192837612718
Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Devika
11
Praveena Kodoth
Area of Expertise: Gender Studies, Social Exclusion, Development Studies
Bio: Praveena Kodoth currently works at the Faculty, Centre for Development Studies. Praveena does research in Social Policy, Higher Education and State Politics and Policy. Their most recent publication is ‘Structural Violence against Emigrant Domestic Workers and Survival in the Middle East: The Effects of Indian Emigration Policy.
Resources: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Praveena_Kodoth2
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Bio: Arundhathi is a student, anchor and also an actress. Arundhathi is basically very studious girl and scored full mark in Plus Two board examination and also got First rank in Kerala University BA Political science examination. She is currently studying Hyderabad Central University to pursue Post Graduation. Arundhathi was the host of ‘meet the person’ program on Mathrubhumi news channel and her film is “Snehaveedu”. She got famous for organizing controversial “Kiss of Love” Event at Hyderabad(Movement started in Cochin against moral policing act prevailing in India).
Resources: http://www.jithumpa.com/random/6-beautiful-indian-celebrities-with-facial-molesbeauty-marks/
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Sonia George
Area of Expertise: Gender Issue, Social Works
Bio: Sonia George is State General Secretary of Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) Union Kerala. Her interest includes gender related issues and media representation . She has made expert contribution on International Labour Conference in 2016, spoke during the Worker’s Group Meeting for the Discussion on Decent Work in Global Supply Chains on behalf of the WIEGO Delegation.
https://www.facebook.com/News18Kerala/videos/1498243546866714
Resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRtI0pAmGbI
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Annie Raja
Area of Expertise: Politics, Gender Issues
Bio: Annie Raja is a CPI leader and a media watcher. She is the General Secretary of National Federation of Indian Women(NFIW), a communist Party of India (CPI).
https://youtu.be/j1DrUB8HEPk?list=PL1JdBNTBq1KYGxZIEffY3OzKJ8Hell1M_
Resources: http://www.topnews.in/law/indian-women-facing-war-situation-annie-raja-2165263
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Anaswara Korattyswaroopam
Area of Expertise: Gender, Social Issue
Bio: Anaswara is a Website Content Writer and columnist. She was a Journalist at Deshabhimani and Advocacy and Communication Officer at Sahayog- India. Her interests include gender- related issues of media representation and social issues.
https://youtu.be/Un27KcVb7oM?list=PL1JdBNTBq1KYGxZIEffY3OzKJ8Hell1M_
Resources: ttps://www.facebook.com/anaswara.korattyswaroopam?lst=100013709284447%3A100000993221331%3A1517985750
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M. Haripriya
Area of Expertise: Politics, Gender Activities
Bio: Haripriya is the State General Secretary of Mahila Congress. She is also the Member of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).
Resources: http://www.jaihoon.com/15659.htm?doing_wp_cron=1509261627.8290579319000244140625
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Fathima Thahilia
Area of Expertise: Religion, Gender Activities, Law
Bio: Fathima Thahiliya is the General Secretary of ‘Haritha,’ girl’s wing of Muslim Students Federation (MSF). She is also a lawyer and student activist.
Resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ibms49vsPY
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Dr. A.K Jayasree
Area of Expertise: Gender Activities, Medical Field
Bio: Dr.Jayasree. A. K is Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Community Medicine at the Academy of Medical Sciences, Pariyaram, Kannur, Kerala. She completed her M.D. in Community Medicine from Armed Forces Medical College, Pune in 1993 and a Fellowship in HIV Medicine from Chrisitan Medical College, Vellore in 2002. To date, Dr. Jayasree has worked as a research associate or principal investigator in 16 public health related projects including the National Blindness Control Program, an HIV program, and most recently, Project QTI.
https://www.facebook.com/mathrubhumidotcom/videos/10156192837612718
Resources: http://quittobaccointernational.org/team-india-ams.html
Women in Media
Technology
Asha Jomis
Area of Expertise: Technology, Media, Research
Bio: Asha Jomis is a policy researcher. Asha holds an M.Phil in Technology Policy from the University of Cambridge and is the receipt of Commonwealth Scholarship. She also received a full scholarship for the Certificate of Advanced Studies in Public Governance and Administration at ETH, Zurich. Asha’s research interest in Public policy is focused on developing a model for platform governance. In 2016, she was presented the Devi award by the New Indian express for innovation and dynamism. She is also the founder of women’s business incubation program and Augsys technologies Pvt Ltd.
https://www.facebook.com/News18Kerala/videos/1498243546866714
https://www.facebook.com/independentmediainitiative/videos/405775423118718
WOMEN IN MEDIA
TRIBAL
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Dhanya Raman
Area of Expertise: Social Issue, Tribal
Bio: Dhanya Raman is a dalit activist working for dalit and tribal people especially women and children. Dhanya Raman has witnessed the harsh realities of thousands of women and children who battle adversity every day of their lives. Working along with dalit she was able to understand their difficult situations and was able to understand their real needs.