Women Journalists Still Fighting To Shatter Stereotypes

In Nepal, only 25 per cent of the working journalists are women, and like many countries, the majority of high-profile journalists and editors in Nepal are male, and women journalists are still striving to make their mark in an industry dominated by men. Though there has been significant improvement in the prospects for women working in the media over the past decades, the number of female journalists in editorial and policy-making positions is very low. Female journalists have embarked on an extensive journey; they have challenged stereotypes and transformed the realm of journalism. After vehemently confronting biases, scepticism, and disapproval regarding their professional capabilities, few women journalists have reached editorial positions. Their persistent efforts have opened doors for aspiring women journalists, empowering them to succeed in this field. According to Sanchirika Samuha, out of 1,143 women journalists surveyed in 2022, only 8.1 per cent of women work as editors, but those numbers are generally representative of the media houses that are owned by themselves or their families. It depicts that the actual representation of women in editorial and policy-making positions is very low.