Dinkum Journal of Social Innovations (DJSI)

Publication History

Submitted: October 31, 2024
Accepted:   November 20, 2024
Published:  February 28, 2025

Identification

D-0403

DOI

https://doi.org/10.71017/djsi.4.02.d-0403

Citation

Manisha Balami (2025). Audience Perception on Portrayal of Women in Print Media Advertisements. Dinkum Journal of Social Innovations, 4(02):67-79.

Copyright

© 2025 The Author(s).

Audience Perception on Portrayal of Women in Print Media AdvertisementsReview Article

Manisha Balami 1*

  1. Samrakshak Samuha Nepal (SASANE), Kathmandu, Nepal.

*             Correspondence: mnsa01234@gmail.com

Abstract: The portrayal of women in advertising has been a topic of debate since the late 1960s, with concerns about traditional gender roles and societal norms. In Nepal, where cultural values and gender roles intersect, it is crucial to examine how these portrayals affect audience perception and cultural attitudes. Media has been a powerful sector for connecting people, providing access to information, reflecting societal changes, and educating the masses. However, media portrayals often promote outdated stereotypes and perpetuate them. Information technology advancements have allowed for a worldwide communications network that influences public policy, individual attitudes, and behavior, particularly among children and young adults. Advertisements and commercial communications often depict women as consumers and inappropriately target girls and women of all ages due to the global tendency towards materialism. Stereotypes can have adverse consequences on women themselves, leading them to abandon their personal and professional goals in favor of the “ideal” presented in ads. Advertising in Nepal has evolved significantly over the years, with multinational agencies dominating the market and local agencies emerging. The Advertising Association of Nepal (AAN) was formed in 1973 to promote ethical standards in advertising and develop advertising education. The industry expanded rapidly in the 1980s and 1990s, appearing on various platforms such as television, radio, cinema screens, billboards, newspapers, and magazines. Online advertising gained traction in the early 2000s and is now the fastest-growing segment. However, challenges remain, such as lack of reliable audience measurement data and lack of regulation. The study aimed to understand how the portrayal of women in print media advertisements influences audience perceptions in Nepal, exploring the impact on societal attitudes, beliefs, and gender roles. The study aimed to assess the audience’s perception of women in print media advertisements, analyze reasons for women being commodified in advertisements, and evaluate how the portrayal of women affects viewers’ attitudes and beliefs. However, the study has limitations, such as focusing only on print media advertisements and using data collection methods with inherent biases. This study investigated the audience’s perception of women’s portrayal in print media advertisements in Nepal. The study revealed that over half of respondents believe advertisers play a significant role in reducing commodification of women, but only seven percent believe they have a substantial role. Ethical considerations include clear information, informed consent, and confidentiality. Digital marketing influences younger generations’ attitudes towards gender roles. However, print media ads in Nepal often underrepresent women, reinforcing traditional assumptions. Consumer demand is the main cause, with 46% believing advertisements present women as sexual objects. To improve representation, tougher laws and ethical principles are needed.

Keywords: Nepal, Advertising, Print Media Advertisements, women, Portrayal

1. INTRODUCTION

The portrayal of women in advertising has been a topic of debate since the late 1960s, with concerns about traditional roles and gender roles [1]. In Nepal, where cultural values, gender roles, and societal norms intersect, it is crucial to examine how these portrayals affect audience perception and cultural attitudes around gender roles. Media has been a powerful sector for connecting people, providing access to information, reflecting societal changes, and educating the masses [2]. However, media portrayals often promote outdated stereotypes and perpetuate outdated stereotypes. Information technology advancements have allowed for a worldwide communications network that influences public policy, individual attitudes, and behavior, particularly among children and young adults. However, this study showed that women’s varied lives and contributions to society are not fairly represented in print and electronic media in most countries [3]. Advertisements and commercial communications often depict women as consumers and inappropriately target girls and women of all ages due to the global tendency towards materialism. Study on how women are portrayed in news, movies, TV shows, interviews, articles, and commercials reveal sexist language and imagery. The wide range of media choices has brought benefits and challenges to address gender issues, with new technologies reproducing beauty images of women and contributing to the flourishing of the myth of beauty. Stereotypes can have adverse consequences on women themselves, leading them to abandon their personal and professional goals in favor of the “ideal” presented in ads [4]. Feminists and other concerned individuals have blamed advertising for focusing on ads for products that women can spritz on to stop being offensive. Advertising has a long history, dating back to ancient Egyptian civilization, where steel carvings were used for sales messages and wall posters. In ancient Rome, graffiti served as a public bulletin board for promoting messages [5]. The earliest known form of outdoor advertising was a printed poster from the Northern Song period. The advent of printed advertising is attributed to William Caxton in 1472, who placed advertisements for books on church doors in England. The printing press was invented in Europe in the 15th century, enabling mass production of printed materials, including advertisements. The first newspaper advertisement appeared in England in 1652, and advertising became more widespread during the 18th and 19th centuries due to the Industrial Revolution. Posters, billboards, and trade cards were used to advertise businesses. The rise of printing and global trade led to the growth of advertising, with watermarks becoming a unique form of advertising. In the 19th century, advertising became more prominent in newspapers and magazines, with local merchants paying for advertising [6]. The use of testimonials, such as photos of beautiful women or prominent figures, continued to grow. The advent of mass media like radio and television in the 20th century led to even more growth in the advertising industry. The first radio commercial airing in 1922 and the first television commercial in 1941 were innovative approaches to advertising. Radio jingles and catchy slogans became iconic marketing techniques during this period. After World War II, television became the primary medium for promoting products and services [7]. The first television advertisement was aired on July 1, 1941, with the slogan ‘America runs on Bulova time’. Television advertising combined audio and visual elements, allowing advertisers to create memorable and persuasive commercials. Radio and television advertising marked a significant shift in the advertising industry, allowing companies to engage with consumers on a more personal level and reach a much larger and diverse audience [8]. The convergence of economics and science in advertising reached its pinnacle in the 1990s with the rise of the World Wide Web (WWW). DoubleClick was established in 1996 as the pioneering online advertising platform, and Google AdWords, now known as Google Ads, was introduced in 2000. With the advent of the internet and social media in the late 20th century, advertising has become even more ubiquitous. Advertising in Nepal can be traced back to ancient times when merchants and traders used to advertise their goods and services through word of mouth or by displaying their wares at markets and bazaars. The history of advertising in Nepal can be divided into four distinct phases: the first phase from 1860s-1901, the second phase from 1901-1950s, the third phase (1950-1980s), and the fourth phase from 1990s onwards [9]. In the early days, advertising was primarily limited to newspapers, magazines, and billboards. The advertising industry in Nepal has evolved significantly over the years, with multinational agencies like J. Walter Thompso, Ogilvy & Mather, and DDB dominating the market. Local agencies like Creative House and Laxmi Ad Agency also emerged, competing with multinational giants. Radio advertising began in the 1960s, and the first advertising agency in Nepal was Admark [10]. The advertising industry played a crucial role in promoting Nepal as a tourist destination, with campaigns like “Nepal – A World of its Own” and “Nepal – Naturally” becoming iconic slogans. In 1973, the Advertising Association of Nepal (AAN) was formed to promote ethical standards in advertising and develop advertising education in Nepal. In the 1980s and 1990s, the advertising industry expanded rapidly, appearing on television, radio, cinema screens, billboards, newspapers, and magazines. Television advertising began in 1985, and other private television channels emerged [11]. The 1990s and 2000s saw rapid transformations in the advertising sector, with print media, FM radio stations, TV channels, online portals, and social media platforms playing prominent roles. The panchayat era saw stable advertisements due to lack of government support, but the institutionalization of the Nepali advertisement industry occurred after the political transformation in 1990.Online advertising gained traction in the early 2000s, and it is now the fastest-growing segment of the advertising industry in Nepal [12]. However, challenges remain, such as the lack of reliable audience measurement data and lack of regulation. Today, the advertising industry in Nepal is vibrant, dynamic, and diverse, with local agencies competing on equal footing. The study aimed to understand how the portrayal of women in print media advertisements influences audience perceptions in Nepal, exploring the impact on societal attitudes, beliefs, and gender roles. Advertisements often depict women as objects and content, particularly in health and beauty products, which can affect women’s self-esteem and confidence. The topic of women’s rights is frequently raised, and the way women are portrayed in ads has always been a subject of debate. The objectives of the study are to assess the audience’s perception of women in print media advertisements in Nepal, analyze the reasons for women being commodified in advertisements, and evaluate how the portrayal of women in print media advertisements can affect the attitudes and beliefs of viewers. The study’s significance lied in its potential to shed light on the current state of women’s representation in advertising in Nepal and provide insights into the impact of these representations on the audience’s perception. It can help identify if the advertising industry in Nepal is adhering to the principles of gender equality and diversity. The study also aimed to raise awareness among the general public about the impact of gender representation in advertising on the audience’s perception of gender roles and expectations. However, it has limitations, such as focusing only on print media advertisements, limiting the sample to 100 respondents in the Kathmandu Valley, and using data collection methods such as KII and FGD, which may have inherent biases or limitations.

 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study discussed the research design, data collection methods, and ethical considerations used to investigate the audience’s perception of women’s portrayal in print media advertisements in Nepal. The research design is a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, using a cross-sectional survey method. The quantitative approach involves a well-structured questionnaire to assess respondents’ beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions regarding the portrayal of women in print media advertisements. The qualitative approach involves Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Key Informant Interview (KII), with participants from various fields. Data collection methods include online surveys, social media platforms, and offline surveys. Surveys were conducted with at least 100 respondents, while qualitative data was collected through KII and FGD. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data, with participants’ opinions and experiences being supported by direct quotes. Ethical considerations include providing clear information about the study’s purpose and procedure, obtaining informed consent from participants, and keeping collected data confidential and anonymized. The study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the audience’s perception of women’s portrayal in print media advertisements in Nepal, integrating quantitative and qualitative data for a more nuanced analysis.

3. RESULT & DISCUSSION

The survey data undergoes descriptive analysis and interpretation, where a thorough examination is conducted to understand its characteristics and identify any noticeable patterns. The findings are then systematically presented and explained under specific headings or categories, facilitating a structured exploration of the research question and objectives.

Table 01: Gender Representation (In Percentage)

Gender Male                  Female
Total 60 40

The gender demographics of the survey participants are shown in Table 01. According to the table, most of the respondents—60 percent—were male; the remaining 40 percent were female.

Table 02: Age Group of Respondents (In Percentage)

Age Group 18-30 31-40 41-50 50 above
Total 51 44 3 2

Survey respondents are grouped into four age categories: 18–30 years, 31–40 years, 41–50 years, and 50 and above. A significant number of respondents were from 18-30 years, as seen by the data in table 2, which suggests a majority at 51 percent. Similarly, 44 percent were from 31-40 years, three percent from 41-50 years, and those 50 years and older made up two percent of the total respondents.

Table 03:  Education Level of Respondents (In Percentage)

School level High School Bachelors Masters
1 24 37 38

Thirty-eight percent of the respondents had finished a master’s degree. Similarly, 37 percent were either working toward or had finished a bachelor’s degree; 24 percent of the participants were from high school. School level accounted for only one percent.

Table 04: Newspaper/Magazine Reading Habit of Respondents (In Percentage)

Regularly Sometimes Never
25 68 7

Table 4 shows that a notable majority—68 percent of those surveyed—reported reading newspapers or magazines on a sporadic basis. Moreover, 25% of people routinely scanned the print media. On the other hand, seven percent said they never read periodicals or newspapers. More generally, the information points to a varied spectrum of reading habits among the survey respondents. Still crucial for information and pleasure, most of the questioned group said newspapers and magazines. On the other hand, a significant portion also prefers digital options or choose not to interact with print media altogether. This variety in reading habits reflects the changing media consumption tastes in the connected world of today.

Table 5: Advertisements in Print Media Featuring Women (In Percentage)

Regularly Often Never
10 79 11

Most of the people said they often saw ads featuring women in print media. A significant 79 percent of the replies indicated such. Along the same lines, 10% said such ads are a regular sight for them. On the other hand, 11 percent said they never saw ads including women in this setting. This implies a different degree of exposure and portrayal of women in print media advertising.

Table 06: Representation of Women in Print Media Advertisements in Nepal (Rating: Poor to Excellent) (In Percentage)

Excellent Good Fair Poor Very Poor
3 6 38 45 8

Using a rating scale from ‘extremely poor’ to ‘outstanding’, survey participants were asked to assess the representation of women in print media ads within Nepal. Very bad refers to overly stereotyped, objectified, or insulting representations. Poor meant restricted, stereotype-based representations. Likewise, fair referred to representations that were somewhat accurate and balanced but there was still potential for development. Likewise, by good, we mean shown in a respectful, powerful and inclusive manner, and excellent meaning in a very motivating and transforming way, defying gender stereotypes and inequalities. This method sought to gauge people’s view of the quality and inclusiveness of women’s portrayals in print media ads. The study aimed to capture subtle views on the representations of women in advertising within the cultural and socioeconomic setting of Nepal by offering a thorough spectrum of descriptions for each grade. The range of ratings let people voice their views on both the good points and the negative ones in the portrayal of women in print media ads. Essentially, the study sought to understand how different people in Nepal see the portrayal of women in print media ads, with an eye on spotting both virtues and weaknesses in these portrayals.

Table 07:  Realistic Portrayal of Women in Print Advertisements in Nepal (In Percentage)

Yes No Sometimes Don’t Know
10 52 20 18

The poll also asked participants their opinion on whether or not print media ads in Nepal genuinely depict women. Fifty-two percent of those who answered this question felt print media ads did not realistically depict women. While 20% said they are sometimes realistically represented and sometimes not, just 10% believed women are realistically represented.

Table 08: Print Media Advertisements Reinforces Gender Stereotypes, Respondents’ Answer (In Percentage)

Yes No Sometimes Don’t Know
34 6 42 18

When questioned if women in print media ads in Nepal are shown in a manner that supports gender stereotypes, the findings showed different viewpoints. At least 42 percent of those polled said print media ads sometimes support gender stereotypes. Similarly, 34% said print media ads support gender stereotypes. Conversely, only six percent said print media ads do not support gender stereotypes.

Table 09:  If Portrayal of Women in Print Media Advertisements in Nepal is Offensive/Demeaning (In Percentage)

Yes No Sometimes Don’t Know 
32 16 48 4

According to the statistics shown in table 09, 32 percent of respondents found the representation of women in print media ads in Nepal insulting or humiliating. Likewise, 16 percent indicated that print media ads in Nepal do not depict women in an inappropriate and humiliating manner. Almost half of the respondents—48% of them—said that the depiction of women in print media ads in Nepal is occasionally disrespectful.

Table 10: Print Media Advertisement’s Impact on People’s Perception on Women in Society (In Percentage)

Yes No Sometimes Don’t Know
44 14 28 14

Table 10 shows the survey respondents’ answers on how the representation of women in print media ads influences the treatment of women in society. Nearly half of the respondents—44 percent—thought the depiction of women in print media ads influenced how society regarded them. Fourteen percent said the commercial had no impact on how women were treated in society. Similarly, 28 percent said the representation of women in ads occasionally influenced how society treated them.

Table 11:  Effect of Portrayal of Women in Print Media Advertisements in Respondent’s Perception in Real Life (In Percentage)

Positive/Not Affected Not Sure/Neutral Somewhat Negative Highly Negative
12 55 31 2

The respondents were also questioned how much the representation of women in print media ads in their actual lives affects them. Thirty-one percent of those polled felt print media ad representations of women had influenced them and had some negative effect on them. Twelve percent of those polled said they were unaffected or had a good influence. Similarly, 55 percent of the respondents, slightly more than half, stated they were unsure and remained indifferent. Regarding women, just 2% said they were really impacted and had a very negative influence. 

Table 12: Product Purchase due to the Advertisements (In Percentage)

Yes No Sometimes Don’t Know
31 44 23 2

The above table (table 12) shows the respondents’ responses on whether they had bought any items after seeing the ads or not. With a significant proportion of respondents saying their purchase choices in connection to the commercials they saw, the table offers insights on how advertising affect consumer behavior. According to the data, 31 percent had said they have really bought a product after commercial watching. On the other hand, 44 percent of those polled said they had not bought any items after ad exposure. Similarly, 23 percent said they have sometimes bought something after seeing the advertisements. 

Table 13: Responsibility of Print Media Advertisements in Promoting Gender Equality (In Percentage)

Yes           No Sometimes Maybe
69 7 9 15

Of the overall 69 percent of respondents, many feel print media ads are responsible for advancing gender equality. By comparison, only seven percent believe the advertisements lack such accountability. Fifteen percent more are unsure whether the ads promote gender equality or not. Nine percent think the commercials sometimes help to advance gender equality.

Table 14: Commodification of Women in Print Media Advertisements in Nepal (In Percentage)

Yes No Sometimes Don’t Know
49 5 28 18

The poll findings show that 49% of those questioned believed women are commoditized in print media adverts in Nepal. By contrast, only five percent believe the commercials are not objectifying women. Just over a quarter, or 28 percent of the respondents, believe women are sometimes commercialized in ads.

Table 15:  Reasons behind Portrayal of Women as Sexual Objects in Print Media Advertisements in Nepal (In Percentage)

Patriarchal Norms 5
Market Demand (Attract more attention and increase sales) 46
Industry Standards (Common Practice in Advertising Industry) 26
Not Sure  23

Moreover, the participants were questioned about the justifications for print media advertising in Nepal depicting women as sexual objects. Of those who answered, 46 percent said that market demand was the main driver of this representation. They believe advertisements depict women as sexual objects meant to draw audience attention and increase purchases. Put another way, marketers see it as a tactic motivated by the idea that sexualized pictures of women sell goods more powerfully. Similarly, little over a quarter (26 percent) think a widespread advertising sector practice causes women’s objectification. This implies that they see objectification as a deeply rooted custom or practice within the sector, where advertising could follow accepted standards without maybe thinking about their ethical consequences. Equally, another 23% were unsure of the precise cause of this objectifying women’s in advertisements. Only five percent of the replies cited patriarchal values as a motivating force for this trend.

Table 16:  Measures to Improve the Portrayal of Women in Print Media Advertisements in Nepal (In Percentage

Enforce Stronger Laws/Regulations 23
Raise Awareness 20
Involve Women in Creative Process of Advertisement 42
Not Sure 15

After discussing the factors contributing to the objectification of women in advertisements, the participants also recommended ways to enhance women’s representation in such advertising. Nearly half of those surveyed said that include women in the creative process of print media advertising would help to better represent women in adverts. From idea to implementation, 42% of the respondents said included women in the advertising process would assist to improve the situation. This answer shows the opinion that women should have considerable input in how they are represented, hence guaranteeing more genuine and respectful depictions. Advocate-cum-women rights activist Geeta Chaudhary, a KII participant, said that more women’s involvement in decision-making roles has been rather important in changing the negative image of women in advertisements. She went on to say, “The growing number of women in business enterprises has also helped to promote gender-sensitive material.” Twenty-three percent also said that tougher laws and rules may help to improve women’s representation in advertisements. This implies that they see legal actions as a way to make advertising responsible for their material and maybe discourage the use of degrading or objectifying pictures. Twenty percent of the respondents—one-fifth—believe that increasing knowledge would help to shape how women are represented in ads. This suggests that they see public debate and education as instruments for effecting change. Increasing knowledge of the effects of ad representations helps society to jointly call for more responsible advertising tactics. At last, 15% of the replies indicated doubt on the most appropriate actions to solve the problem.

Table 17: Steps to Reduce Commodification of Women in Print Media Advertisements (In Percentage)

Create Ethical Guidelines 23
Use Realistic Portrayals 19
Empower Women 37
Foster Nation-wide Change 9
Not Sure 12

Apart from the aforementioned results, it is remarkable that a large number of the respondents—specifically, 37 percent—felt that empowering women may be very important in reducing the commercialization of women in print media ads. Furthermore, almost a quarter of the poll respondents—23 percent—stressed the need of ethical rules as a way to fight the commercialization of women in print media promotions. This suggests that following and applying industry-specific ethical criteria might be a useful way to tackle this problem. Moreover, a remarkable 19 percent of the participants underlined the need of employing realistic depictions of women as a first step toward lowering commodification in print media ads. This suggests that a more authentic and less objectifying representation might result from shifting away from idealized and excessively sexualized depictions of women in advertisements. Curiously, a lower but still important nine percent of the survey participants said that promoting national change is another crucial action to reduce the commercialization of women in print media ads. This suggests that to change deeply entrenched beliefs and behaviors in the sector, a thorough society transformation—maybe via lobbying and awareness campaigns—is required. KII participant Lava Manandhar underlined the need of thinking about the core of the company or product before producing ads to minimize women’s objectification. He underlined the need of ethical advertising and the need of thinking about ad possible effects. Manandhar underlined the need of careful studies and surveys in this respect, saying that they have already started using such techniques.

Table 18:  Responsibility of Advertisers to Mitigate Commodification of Women (In Percentage)

Yes No Maybe
65 7 28

Print media ads in Nepal largely reflect deep-rooted societal norms, often presenting women in limited, stereotypical ways. A survey revealed that 45% of respondents feel women are poorly represented, frequently as sexual symbols, mothers, or beauty objects, failing to capture their diverse roles. The majority (52%) consider these portrayals unrealistic, with 32% finding them offensive or demeaning. Such depictions significantly impact societal attitudes, reinforcing gender stereotypes (34% agreement) and promoting patriarchal norms. Nearly a third (31%) of respondents reported being negatively affected, and 44% believe these ads influence how women are treated in society. There’s a strong call for accountability: 69% believe advertisers have a social responsibility to promote gender equality through empowering portrayals. The commodification of women is evident, with 49% noting it; 46% attribute this to market demand for sexualized imagery, while 26% see it as common industry practice. Solutions proposed include involving women in the advertising process (42%), implementing stronger regulations and ethical guidelines (23% each), and generally empowering women (37%). A significant 65% believe advertisers bear major responsibility in addressing this issue, urging more realistic depictions (19%) to counter the pervasive influence of traditional customs and market strategies that perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

Discussion

A recent Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and survey in Nepal highlight a persistent issue: print media advertisements predominantly objectify, over-sexualize, and depict women as submissive. This portrayal is a direct reflection of patriarchal societal structures and male dominance, which in turn normalizes such gender roles [13]. Women are frequently confined to domestic roles like cooking and cleaning, while men are shown in positions of authority and accomplishment. Despite ongoing efforts to promote more progressive imagery, prejudices remain strong. Advertisements consistently praise women for their physical beauty, especially fair skin, reinforcing a narrow and superficial ideal [14]. However, there’s a growing trend to showcase women’s strength, diverse experiences, and achievements in both domestic and professional spheres, beginning to challenge these outdated standards and reflect the evolving gender dynamics in Nepalese culture. Print media advertisements significantly shape societal perceptions and attitude towards gender roles in Nepal [15]. They often mirror existing cultural norms, with women in homes and men in power. These visual and linguistic cues leave a lasting impression, influencing audience behaviors and emotions. Ads that objectify or portray women as subordinate can lead to the internalization of these views, perpetuating stereotypes and inequality. Conversely, ads that celebrate women’s achievements and use empowering language can foster more respectful treatment [16]. Cultural norms heavily influence how women are depicted. Women are generally expected to embody gentleness, kindness, and nurturing qualities, with a strong focus on family care and physical beauty. Men, on the other hand, are typically portrayed as leaders and decision-makers [17]. The FGD and survey data underscore the widespread dissatisfaction with the current portrayal of women in Nepalese print media. A significant 45% of respondents believe print media ads poorly reflect women. These advertisements often reinforce conventional assumptions, depicting women primarily as sexual symbols, mothers, or beauty objects, failing to represent the diverse roles and identities women hold in society. The majority of people find these depictions unrealistic, with 52% stating that print media ads do not accurately represent women [18]. Furthermore, a concerning 32% found the representation insulting or degrading. These unrealistic and disrespectful portrayals profoundly impact societal views on gender roles [19]. Approximately 34% of poll participants agreed that print media advertisements support gender stereotypes, thereby normalizing traditional roles and reinforcing patriarchal norms and existing gender inequality. This can influence individuals’ perceptions of gender norms and expectations, as well as their self-perception and views of others [20]. The negative impact is tangible, with over 31% of respondents reporting an adverse effect from print media ads. A significant 44% believe that the representation of women in these advertisements influences how society treats women [21]. There’s a strong public demand for advertisers to be more accountable. A substantial 69% of those surveyed believe print media ads should be responsible for advancing gender equality. They contend that marketers have a social obligation to ensure their messages promote uplifting and powerful images of women, thereby breaking gender stereotypes and supporting women’s rights and empowerment in Nepal [22]. The issue of objectification is prevalent, with 49% of respondents believing women are objectified in Nepalese advertisements. The perceived causes vary: 46% attribute it to consumer demand, suggesting ads use women as sexual objects to capture attention and boost sales [23]. Another 26% believe it’s a widespread advertising business practice. Advertisers and media organizations can also contribute by carefully choosing models, prioritizing qualities beyond conventional beauty standards, and thoughtfully considering advertising conventions. Addressing the underrepresentation of women in the advertising industry itself is crucial. While Nepal has 235 active advertising firms, only 590 out of 2044 individuals in key roles (including proprietors, administration, creative, research, and marketing departments) are female [24]. A resounding 65% of those polled firmly believe that advertisements have a significant role in addressing and reducing the commodification of women. Social conventions, marketing tactics, and cultural practices all contribute to this issue, reinforcing gender stereotypes and shaping societal views. The preference for adhering to traditional norms, even with negative consequences, often stems from a perception that it’s more acceptable and easier to understand [25]. While digital advertising is growing, print media continues to heavily influence public opinion, particularly among dedicated readers. Although there’s a discernible shift towards more progressive representations of women, conventional prejudices largely persist.

4. CONCLUSION

According to the results of the study, the representation of women in advertising really affects people’s view point and their treatment of women. In Nepal, the portrayal of women in print media ads significantly influences society ideas on gender roles and gender equality. First, by depicting women in stereotyped roles as homemakers, caretakers, or objects of beauty, these ads often support conventional gender stereotypes. Stereotypes like this one may help to strengthen current gender norms and expectations in society. Furthermore, the representation of women in print media ads might shape views about gender equality. Consistently showing women in submissive or passive positions might send a message of inferiority or restriction to the viewer. On the other hand, showing women in empowered or non-traditional positions may help to break gender stereotypes and promote a fairer image of women in society. Apart from that, the presence and depiction of women in print media ads may shape people’s view of women’s skills and societal contributions. Consistent portrayal of women in ads as strong, successful, and independent may help to question preconceptions about gender roles and support a more inclusive and equitable society. The portrayal of women in print media ads in Nepal has the ability to either perpetuate established gender norms and inequality or question them, depending on the themes and images used. Promoting gender equality and questioning negative stereotypes in Nepalese society depend on a rigorous examination and analysis of these representations. The survey reveals slight increases in advertising women’s representation. Although there has been some little improvement, the present modifications are inadequate and it is obvious that much more has to be done. Rising numbers of educated and knowledgeable women are responsible for the little positive change. The growing number of women in decision-making positions within companies has also helped to promote good change. This emphasizes the need of guaranteeing women access to roles where they may affect choices, and thus helps society as a whole. By showing women in a better light in advertisements, we can assist create a society where women are treated equally and with respect. This not only helps women directly but also supports the larger objective of advancing gender equality. Positive portrayals of women in advertising may be strong catalysts for social change by affecting attitudes and actions on a broad scale. So, giving more positive and empowered images of women in advertisements top priority would help to create a fairer and inclusive society for everyone. Furthermore, efficient implementation of current legislation might handle a major part of the problem. Gender awareness should be included into every industry, not just advertising companies, to create a fairer and inclusive society. This underlines the need of coordinated efforts in many fields to advance gender equality and eradicate stereotypes and prejudices. These suggestions seek to encourage a more favorable representation of women in advertisements, hence changing society’s views of women and promoting gender equality. Advertising agencies are advised to work with research organizations and carry out appropriate surveys before creating any advertisements. Advertising companies are advised to work with research organizations and carry out a suitable study before creating any advertisements. Doing so may assist to reduce conflicts and support a good image of women. Promote the use of agency codes of behavior or regulatory laws on the portrayal of women in print media ads. These guidelines might be standards for honest and inspiring representations of women. Encourage media companies, marketers, and women’s rights groups to work together to create campaigns supporting gender equality and question negative stereotypes. These alliances may use the knowledge and insights of advocacy organizations to produce more powerful advertising campaigns. Support awareness and educational campaigns aiming to increase audience and advertiser understanding of the importance of gender-sensitive advertising and its influence on societies views of women. This may inspire consumers to consume media critically and urge advertisers to think more about what they are saying.

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Publication History

Submitted: October 31, 2024
Accepted:   November 20, 2024
Published:  February 28, 2025

Identification

D-0403

DOI

https://doi.org/10.71017/djsi.4.02.d-0403

Citation

Manisha Balami (2025). Audience Perception on Portrayal of Women in Print Media Advertisements. Dinkum Journal of Social Innovations, 4(02):67-79.

Copyright

© 2025 The Author(s).