For Gender-inclusive Newsrooms

Working as a journalist in The Rising Nepal (TRN), published by Gorkhapatra Corporation (GC), a government-owned entity, has been an overwhelming experience. On April 1, 2015, my journey began as a reporter stepping into the newsroom for the first time. Being the only permanent female staff reporter, the absence of women editors or seniors created a void that was hard to ignore. Though there were some female stringers, their presence was fleeting and did little to fill the gap in mentorship or guidance. TRN has always stood out for its positive and supportive working environment.

The male colleagues at TRN are friendly and work collaboratively. But still the overall absence of senior female figures left a noticeable gap in mentorship, making it harder for women like us to find role models within the organisation. Also, not having female-friendly working spaces and restrooms was a harsh reality I had to face. Before working with the TRN, I was associated with the United Nations’ Electoral Support Project (ESP), where inclusion was a key priority and women held prominent roles. Transitioning from such an inclusive space to a newsroom where there were no female journalists in the team to look up to was disheartening. The newsroom should reflect robust inclusion where women’s opportunities for growth are galore. According to the seniors of TRN, in the past few women had worked with TRN, working on a par with male counterparts. They even handled night desk. However, over time, they quit, opting for better opportunities elsewhere. After my nine years of career in TRN, I had a glimmer of hope to see some changes in the future. As three more females were recruited as permanent staff at TRN, while five are working under temporary contracts.

Professional challenges

I started my career at TRN as a reporter and quickly engaged in many sections of the newspaper. From covering the health beat at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic to desk, I am now working as a coordinator for the Friday Supplement. I also write editorials, adding another dimension to my work. Yet, despite years of dedication and accomplishing every task assigned by seniors, professional stagnation has been a bitter pill to swallow. Remaining in the same rank for almost a decade has led to frustration and diminished motivation, a sentiment shared by many colleagues.

Adding to this is the ongoing human resource crisis in TRN. With senior staff nearing retirement and no recruitment processes in the near future, the burden on existing employees continues to grow. The Gorkhapatra Corporation’s (GC) management must not delay in recruiting new permanent staff at TRN, which is essential for the sustainability of the only pioneering English newspaper that sustains very challenging situations like the COVID-19. The Corporations requires promoting strategies to enhance gender parity. They should have equal opportunities for international exposures, leadership roles, and training programmes. Timely steps not only boost women’s professional growth but also provide them international exposure for practicing comprehensive journalism.

Path to equality

Nepal’s media landscape struggles with gender inequality, with policies that are not women-friendly acting as barriers to female journalists. According to the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), women make up only around 18.5 per cent of its members, indicating a significant gender gap. Female representation in decision-making roles, such as editors and publishers, is even lower. Targeted actions are essential to close this gap. 

Recruitment policies must prioritise hiring women, particularly in leadership positions. Flexible work arrangements, including childcare support and remote options, can help women balance personal and professional responsibilities. Training and mentorship programmes in GC are vital for fostering inclusion and dismantling stereotypes.

At GC, around 20 women journalists currently work, with only one on the editorial level, including ten in TRN. Though TRN has implemented flexible policies for women, yet more can be done to align with global standards. 

If systematic obstacles are addressed on time, it is possible to see more women in senior editorial roles at TRN within the next decade. To achieve balanced representation, GC needs to create a more supportive environment to attract, retain, and empower female journalists. Mentorship programmes led by senior women journalists can empower and motivate younger journalists. Additionally, equal access to professional development opportunities, including training workshops and international fellowships, can enhance and boost confidence. Ensuring female-friendly workplaces and facilities is a crucial step toward a more equal representation.

For meaningful change, publishing progress reports and implementing innovative policy will ensure sustained efforts towards equality. As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” but with patience and persistence, TRN can transform into spaces where women are not just contributors but leaders and change-makers.

(Rijal is a journalist at The Rising Nepal.)