Clear newsroom policies needed for gender equality

There should be clear policies in the newsrooms to ensure gender equality and dignity in Bangladesh's media industry, speakers said at an event yesterday.

They stressed the need for written guidelines promoting equal representation in decision-making, recruitment, and training, while fostering a safe and inclusive work environment. Greater coverage of underreported gender issues and eliminating harmful stereotypes in advertisements and content were also emphasised. 

The remarks were made during the launch of a gender charter of commitment for news media, prepared by the Management and Resources Development Initiative, at The Daily Star Centre in Dhaka. 

Twenty media organisations have already signed the charter, with more expected to join. 

Introducing the initiative, Prof Giti Ara Nasreen, head of the Gender Charter Working Group and professor at Dhaka University's Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, expressed concerns over the decline in female enrolment in journalism programmes in Bangladesh. 

Globally, female enrolment in journalism schools is rising, but here, fewer women are studying journalism. This is alarming, and we need to identify the reasons behind it. What about our media environment is deterring women? What obstacles have we created?

— Prof Giti Ara Nasreen

"Globally, female enrolment in journalism schools is rising, but here, fewer women are studying journalism. This is alarming, and we need to identify the reasons behind it. What about our media environment is deterring women? What obstacles have we created?" she asked. 

She added, "This charter aims to ensure its principles are practised in every newsroom. Equality in participation means transparency in recruitment, equitable pay and benefits for all genders, and assessing gender sensitivity alongside qualifications." 

Dr Nasreen also addressed gender biases, saying, "When men age, they are seen as more mature, but ageing women often find their competence overshadowed by perceptions of their age." 

She stressed the importance of workplace facilities such as separate toilets, childcare support, and protections against discrimination for employees returning from maternity leave. 

"In terms of content, we must avoid stereotypical portrayals and ensure women's voices are adequately represented in news stories," she added. 

Journalist and trainer Qurratul-Ain-Tahmina highlighted that signing the charter is just the first step. "We must ensure inclusion in internal structures and content while enforcing written policies for meaningful change. This requires a mindset shift," she said. 

Shaheen Anam, executive director of Manusher Jonno Foundation, pointed to the challenges women face in journalism. "The stereotype persists that women can't handle tough jobs. Security risks, family issues, and societal challenges deter many from entering the field. Does she receive the support she needs -- from her institution, family, and society?" she asked. 

She also called for the gender charter to be linked to sexual harassment and gender policies, encouraging editors to advocate for legislation ensuring these protections. 

Aasha Mehreen Amin, joint editor of The Daily Star, highlighted the need to address the lack of adequate logistics, such as safe transport and work hours that align with societal expectations, to encourage more women to join journalism. 

She said that the traditional newsroom culture, where journalists are expected to work long hours without balance, is impractical for anyone but particularly challenging for women, who often face additional societal pressures. 

"Many women don't have the luxury of a partner to handle domestic responsibilities, making it even more difficult for them to thrive in this demanding profession. A radical shift in how we view work and the support systems in place is essential for more women to succeed in journalism," she added. 

Prothom Alo journalist Sumona Sharmin highlighted the struggles of working mothers. "When a new mother returns to work, her child may fall sick, requiring her to leave early or provide extra care. If judged incapable due to her motherhood, she risks being sidelined in her career," she said. 

Addressing grassroots journalism, Anwarul Kabir Nantu, editor of Daily Loksamaj, emphasised the importance of job security and financial stability for women in local newspapers. "Without these, no one will join the profession," he said. 

The event was moderated by MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman.