by Santhosh Mathew 6 January 2023
Women journalists worldwide have effectively harnessed the written word’s power to confront local and global challenges. They have defied the dismissive sentiments expressed by figures like Hamilton, the Editor of The Daily Illustrated Mirror, who once wrote, “Women can’t write and don’t want to read.”
Instead, women journalists have emerged as influential contributors, breaking through stereotypes and addressing a diverse range of issues. Their resilience, courage, and advocacy have played pivotal roles in investigative journalism, war correspondence, and activism. Despite facing challenges, women journalists have excelled, promoting diversity in media, garnering international recognition, and utilizing digital platforms to reach global audiences.
Women Journalists through History
An article in the Asian Age on March 31, 2009, featured a photograph with the caption, “Somnath with achiever.” The caption continued to explain that Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee presented the Women Achiever’s Award to Vidya Munshi, recognized as the first woman journalist of Kolkata, during a FICCI Ladies Organisation event in Kolkata. While it’s commendable to honor a seasoned journalist like Vidya Munshi, it is important to note that she was not the first woman journalist in Kolkata.
Contrary to the claim, Kolkata had several women journalists before Vidya Munshi. As an example, in April 1870, Mokshodayani launched the first issue of Banga Mahila, a publication dedicated to women’s rights. The magazine pledged to advocate for women’s causes. Swarnkumari Devi served as the sole editor of Bharti from 1885 to 1905 and again from 1909 to 1915. Additionally, her daughter, Sarla Devi, was actively involved in this journalistic venture.
Sister Nivedita
Margaret Elizabeth Noble, widely known as Sister Nivedita, was born on October 28, 1868, in Ireland. Coming from a family with strong ties to the Irish freedom movement, Nivedita became a prominent figure in the field of journalism. Her journalistic endeavors spanned over more than a decade and a half, during which she often utilized various pseudonyms for her writing. Her early writings covered a wide range of topics and were featured in several provincial British journals.
Sister Nivedita was a regular contributor to numerous newspapers and journals, showcasing her diverse interests and perspectives. Some of the publications that featured her work include New India, Dawn, Indian Review, Modern Review, Prabuddha Bharat, Hindu Review, Mysore Review, Behar Herald, The Bengalee, East & West, Sindh Journal, Hindu, Balbharti, Amrit Bazar Patrika, Statesman, Advocate, Tribune, Maratha, Times of India, and Bombay Chronicle. Through her contributions to these publications, Sister Nivedita played a significant role in shaping public discourse on various social, cultural, and political issues of her time.
Hemant Kumari Devi
Born in 1868 to Navin Chandra Rai, a Brahmo Samaji, Devi holds the distinction of being the first woman journalist in Hindi. She served as the editor of the women’s journal “Sugrihini,” which was published in Allahabad. In the inaugural editorial of the first issue of Sugrihini, Hemant Kumari Devi conveyed a poignant message to her readers:
“O my dear sisters, open your doors & see who has come to visit you. This is a sister of yours called Sugrihini. She has come to you because you are oppressed and illiterate and in bondage….. Welcome her & bless her. May the mother help you and Sugrihini…”
During those times, the Hindi belt faced significant challenges, with widespread illiteracy among women. Even in affluent families, most women lacked formal education. The Brahmo-Samaj’s progressive mindset, which advocated for the education of women, played a crucial role in the emergence of various publications. Despite her Bengali roots, Hemant Kumari Devi was well-versed in Hindi. She received her education in Roman Catholic convents in Agra, Lahore, and Calcutta. Also known as Hemant Kumani Chaudharni, she resided in Patiala from 1906 to 1924, later moving to Dehradun as a Municipal Commissioner, where she passed away in 1953. Her contributions as the first woman journalist in Hindi marked a significant step forward in challenging the prevailing norms and promoting education and empowerment among women.
Usha Mehta
Born on February 24, 1920, Sheela Mehta’s early exposure to her father’s active involvement in the Indian National Congress fueled her interest in politics from childhood. She even found herself in police lockup alongside other young members of the Vanar Sena.
In 1935, she demonstrated her academic excellence by ranking among the top 25 students in her matriculation or Class 10 exams. Proficient in four languages—English, Gujarati, Hindi, and Marathi—Mehta left an indelible mark in debate and elocution at Wilson College. Despite graduating with first-class honors in Philosophy, her pursuit of a master’s degree in Law was interrupted by her active participation in the Quit India movement.
Joining the Congress in the 1940s, Usha Mehta became a dedicated participant in civil disobedience against the British government. Among the youngest members of the team, she played a pivotal role in conceiving the idea of an underground radio station.
This clandestine radio station operated by Mehta and her colleagues broadcasted censored or suppressed news, providing messages of hope and encouragement to people across India. Evading authorities by constantly moving from one house-top to another, the radio station served as a crucial means for leaders in hiding to communicate with the public and offer guidance on future actions. The clandestine broadcasting continued until November 12, 1942, when Usha Mehta’s voice informed listeners that the police had apprehended the ‘radio station.’ Dr. Aloo J Dastur, in ‘Women Pioneers in India’s Renaissance,’ acknowledges Mehta’s instrumental role in this covert operation.
Strong Women Journalist in India Today
Chitra Subramaniyam
Chitra Subramaniam Duella is an Indian journalist renowned for her investigative work on the Bofors-India Howitzer deal. Her efforts are widely acknowledged to have played a significant role in uncovering details related to the controversy, which is believed to have contributed to the electoral defeat of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1989. The Bofors scandal remains one of the landmark episodes in Indian political history, and Chitra Subramaniam Duella’s journalistic endeavors are instrumental in bringing transparency to the issue.
Faye D’Souza
Faye D’Souza is an Indian journalist and television anchor known for her bold and outspoken style of journalism. As the Executive Editor of Mirror Now, she is recognized for questioning social norms, addressing social and political issues with a focus on justice, accountability, and gender equality. Faye is committed to fact-checking and editorial independence, providing accurate and verified information to her audience. Her work has made her a respected figure in independent journalism.
Barkha Dutt
Barkha Dutt, an Indian author, television personality, and independent journalist, gained popularity through her anchoring roles on Tiranga TV and NDTV. She currently runs her news channel on the digital platform “MoJo Story” and contributes personal opinions on societal issues to The Washington Post and The Hindustan Times.
Having spent 21 years at NDTV before leaving in January 2017, Barkha Dutt first gained widespread recognition for her coverage of the 1999 Kargil Conflict between India and Pakistan. Her extensive journalistic contributions have earned her numerous national and international honors, including the prestigious Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
Rana Ayyub
Rana Ayub is an independent journalist and columnist at the Washington Post in the Global Opinions section. Previously worked as an investigative journalist for ‘Tehelka’, where she executed a sting operation that formed the basis for her book “Gujarat Files: Anatomy of a Cover-Up”. She focuses on political agendas and communal conflicts in India, known for her fearless approach to reporting and commitment to exposing corruption and injustice.
Recently and investigation has opened up on her regarding a tweet that she shared of lynching of a Muslim man.
Priya Ramani
Priya Ramani is an Indian journalist, editor, and writer renowned for her work on gender issues and women’s rights. She gained prominence during the #MeToo movement in India by accusing former journalist and Union Minister M.J. Akbar of sexual harassment. She covers various topics related to social issues, gender, and culture, addressing the experiences and challenges faced by women in India.
Swati Chaturvedi
A prominent investigative journalist and author focusing on politics, corruption, and the intersection of politics and business in India, Chaturvedi is an active on social media, sharing personal opinions and insights on current events.
She has authored books like “Daddy’s Girl” and “I Am a Troll: Inside the Secret World of the BJP’s Digital Army,” highlighting online abuse faced by critics of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Rohini Mohan
Mohan is an Indian journalist and author, known for her works on political, social, and human rights issues in South Asia. Authored “The Seasons of Trouble: Life Amid the Ruins of Sri Lanka’s Civil War,” focusing on the aftermath of the Sri Lankan civil war. She is renowned for compassionate storytelling and in-depth reporting on the struggles and stories of marginalized communities.
Anubha Bhonsle
Anubha Bhonsle is an independent journalist and author specializing in social issues reporting and investigative journalism. She worked with media organizations like CNN-News18 and Times Now, earning praise for in-depth reporting and analysis. She is also the founder of Newsworthy Studio, focusing on rights, women’s leadership, access, and financial inclusion.
South Asian Women in Media (SAWM)
South Asian Women in Media (SAWM) is a network of women media professionals across South Asia. Established in April 2008, SAWM is committed to advocating for the freedom of the press, enhancing women’s participation in the media industry, fostering gender-sensitive work environments, and promoting a gender-equal perspective in media content.
The central secretariat of SAWM is located in Lahore, Pakistan, and the organization has country chapters in eight member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
SAWM plays a crucial role in facilitating networking among women in media across borders. The organization collaborates with international rights organizations to empower women journalists, enabling them to assert their rights and safeguard their interests. Through various initiatives, SAWM aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment for women in the media industry.
The organization organizes international and national seminars, administered grants for journalists, facilitated trips to areas affected by natural disasters or conflicts, and supported the screening of films and book launches related to women and media. SAWM’s multifaceted approach contributes to the empowerment of women in the media profession and promotes gender equality in the field.
Their Website posts articles and news coverage by women media professionals from South Asia, reporting across the world.
UN Women has a Journal dedicated to real life stories shared by women Journalists across the Asia Pacific Region called ‘Women Journalist Journal’. The journal reports that even though women make a very small percentage of total journalists in Afghanistan, they constitute 50% of the journalists murdered there.
In Bangladesh, The Bangladesh Nari Sangbadik Kendra (BNSK), founded on March 13, 2001, serves as a hub for women journalists in Bangladesh. Its mission is to provide support and encouragement to women engaged in newspaper reporting, electronic media, news agencies, and online journalism.
South Asian Nations have seen a rise in entry of Women Journalists but their entry in the journalism schools and the industry still requires a lot of encouragement.
The status and representation of women in the media vary across South Asian countries, with each nation presenting distinct challenges and opportunities:
India: Women in India receive training opportunities but often face limited roles in the media, being subjected to stereotypes and exploitation. Media content frequently includes negative portrayals and sensationalism, and women may be underrepresented or entirely absent.
Sri Lanka: Women in Sri Lanka experience relatively greater equality with men in terms of training, hiring, and employment. While they may predominantly work in women’s periodicals, overall representation is more balanced. Women are commonly featured in advertisements, though portrayal can still be limited to certain stereotypes.
Nepal: Media in Nepal is relatively new, providing limited opportunities for women, with men predominantly occupying hierarchical positions. Women are often depicted negatively or sensationally and are extensively utilized in commercials.
Pakistan: Women’s positions in Pakistan are constrained by purdah in urban areas and feudal traditions in rural regions. A minority of women enroll in journalism schools and work in the media, facing challenges linked to traditional norms.
Bangladesh: In Bangladesh, women have recently entered the journalism profession, though their numbers remain limited. Traditional norms may restrict women’s working hours and external assignments. The media, however, is relatively liberal, openly addressing issues like dowry abuse and female oppression.
For the era where women ask to stand hand in hand with men in all arenas, their growth in number as well as in position is inevitable. Even though above problems need to be addressed for facilitation of entry of women in journalism, it only matter of time that their voice can no longer be suppressed.
References:
- https://www.media-diversity.org/women-journalists-in-south-asia-face-censorship-hate-and-fear-online/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12281077/
- https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/usha-mehta-the-22-year-old-who-ran-an-underground-radio-station-to-aid-indias-fight-for-independence-2344036-2023-03-08
- https://www.womenentrepreneurindia.com/viewpoint/art-and-culture/7-powerful-independent-indian-women-journalists-who-are-voices-of-change-nwid-3503.html
- https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/multimedia/women-journalist-journal
- https://sawmsisters.com/
- https://www.ifj.org/media-centre/news/detail/article/sarojini-naidu-prize-for-best-reporting-on-women-and-panchayati-raj-in-india
- https://womenjournalistbd.com/about