Women in journalism

The media organisations are increasingly taking them in, which is definitely a good sign, although admittedly, an ideal gender balance is yet to be struck. The speakers at a seminar held at the National Press Club very rightly raised the question of their lack of security in particular beats, which has an inhibiting effect on their blooming fully as journalists. We believe what they referred to is the slide in law and order and the overall social clime which is not favourable to the pursuit of the hard variety of journalistic reporting and investigations. The threats that journalists working in certain sensitive areas are exposed to could only dampen the enthusiasm of media women. But some of them have already demonstrated that they are ready to stand up to the challenge. One must appreciate their very successful presence in the electronic media.

Women, with their innate sense of responsibility, seriousness of commitment and attention to detail, have tremendous potential to grow in both forms of the media, print and the electronic. However, though the environment in the offices is improving, their external situation is not all that conducive as yet.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

The social taboo is going, especially in the urban centres. The rural ice can be broken if newspapers recruit more of their muffassil correspondents from amongst eligible women.

Essentially, encouragement to women must come in the form of appropriate recognition of their services in terms of material benefit, congenial environment and reward for excellence. Who are more obliged to set an example in gender equality than newspaper managements that are involved with what is claimed as enlightened profession?