BBC World – Tania that harassment of Mexican television Reza says

Image copyright You Tube Televisa

Image caption Controversial programs are common in Mexican television.

“Do not rajes”. That is one of the most repeated comments on the Facebook page of the actress Tania Reza, who suffered sexual harassment during a television program.

The case sparked an intense controversy in Mexico after a video the incident went viral on the internet.

Initially the driver was fired along with the harasser, teammate Enrique Tovar, but they were later reinstated according to a Televisa.

Read also: Controversy over a conducting harassment Televisa during live show

The program was broadcast Televisa’s subsidiary in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, one of the sites with more violence to rate women in the country.

But beyond the controversy, specialists see in the incident sample a frequent problem in the country.

“It’s not a surprise The broadcast television in Mexico has been very content that does not favor an environment of gender equality, “he tells the BBC Ximena Andión, director of the Leadership Simon de Beauvoir Institute.

” Favor actions violence against women and reinforces traditional gender stereotypes. It is regrettable. “

Laura Bozzo

The program of the controversy is called” Full steam ahead “and Saturday lunchtime is transmitted by the local channel Televisa Juarez.

Image copyright BBC World Service

Image caption Televisa is the largest producer of Spanish-language content in the world.

According to media commentators specialized shows, controversial incident was not the first of its kind on the issue.

It is also the only program that have reported harassment and even alleged violations of human rights , he tells BBC World Senator Angelica de la Peña.

The legislator refers, for example, to show where the lawyer Laura Bozzo has alleged cases of domestic violence or marital disputes.

The issue, add exhibits to minors or women in vulnerable condition.

In recent years there have been several complaints that the issue is canceled, some even by Senator De la Peña.

In fact, El Universal newspaper recently reported that the Interior Ministry examines complaints against Bozzo’s show.

Legally this agency is responsible for monitoring the content of electronic media in the country.

In addition, civil society organizations have also questioned the role that women occurs in some soap operas and comedy shows.

But besides the problem is not only content, but also this kind Emissions may violate the law.

International Agreements

In the recent constitutional reform in Telecommunications Senate incorporated several items to ensure respect for people and promote gender equality.

“We strive to have provisions on non-discrimination and the importance of programs that ensure respect for human rights,” says Senator From Peña.

Image caption Tania Reza received thousands of comments on his Facebook page.

One of the elements of the new telecommunications law is that broadcasters, for example, are required to establish rules and codes of ethics to prevent acts of discrimination .

The idea is to avoid emissions and in which the actress Tania Reza suffered harassment. The program “violates the law we passed in the Senate,” insists the senator.

There are also international agreements signed by Mexico and the Constitution are enforceable in the country.

This is the case of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

Also the Inter-American Convention to prevent, punish and eradicate violence against women, known as the “Convention Belem do Para “.

So, ” the importance of the issue is more than just draw attention to the television, they are required to alter their programming “, said the lawmaker.

“Violence normalized”

Sexual harassment actress Tania Reza is only part of the problem on Mexican television. “The fundamental question is what should be the response to this,” says Ximena Andión.

For example, the authorities could spread more content in favor of gender equality in their TV channels.

Image copyright AFP

Image caption Ciudad Juarez is one of the sites rate of violence against women in Mexico. . Photo: AFP

But the media also have a responsibility to promote another kind of social responsibility programs

It is not a simple matter. “The media content does not necessarily depart from fiction, but a society that is still very sexist” insists Andión

It is a circle. Some of the most challenged programs have a high level of audience .

But popularity does not necessarily mean that viewers want, especially if they are offered more choice.

In the end, programs that promote stereotypes “reflect a society where these issues are not socially and where the state does not sanctioned, “said the activist.

” Violence against women is very standard. “