Form sexual harassment cell at media outlets

Every media outlets should establish a code of conduct and sexual harassment cell, women journalists suggested at a conference yesterday.  

“Women journalists experience stereotyping, unfair treatment and harassment by their male colleagues, and sometimes feel threatened and insecure about their jobs,” Nasimun Ara Haque, president of Bangladesh Nari Sangbadik Kendra, said, adding that it prompts them to give up the profession.

She made the observation while speaking at the third national conference of the organisation at Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) on the capital's Circuit House Road.

Women journalists from across the country attended the conference, to address their professional challenges and explore opportunities for women in journalism.

The number of female journalists in both print and electronic media in the country is less than expected, said Nasimun Ara Haque, adding that women should be appointed in the executive level and they should play a crucial role in decision-making in the newsroom.

Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu, speaking at the programme, urged women journalists to be passionate about the profession, and to develop their own writing style.

He said women and children are most vulnerable to cyber attack, and the media has a major role to play in curbing the risk.

Veteran journalist and Bangladesh Nari Sangbadik Kendra adviser Setara Musa said back in 1960s, only a handful of women came to the profession. “It is a great accomplishment to see a houseful of female journalists today. The number will increase in coming days,” she added.

The programme was supported by Southeast Bank Limited, Manusher Jonno Foundation, Toma Construction and Bombay Sweets.