Behind The Byline!
Behind the Byline!
Unveiling the Silent Struggles of Women in Journalism
Pune, March 7: Vishwakarma University’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, in collaboration with the Pune Union of Working Journalists (PUWJ), released a research report titled "Behind the Byline: Challenges Faced by Women Journalists" on the occasion of International Women’s Day. The event brought together media professionals, academics, and students to discuss the barriers, biases, and solutions for gender equality in journalism.
The session featured insights from experts and industry professionals who pointed out the major obstacles faced by women journalists across different media platforms.
Key Issues Highlighted in the Discussion:
Safety and Workplace Security
Bharat Agrawal, President of Vishwakarma University, emphasized three critical issues:
- Safety and security concerns for women in the field
- Gender-based pay disparity, which continues to exist in newsrooms
- Challenges in adapting to technology, which can create additional hurdles for women in journalism
Meenakshi Gurav, a senior journalist, highlighted the lack of promotions despite women's competence in the field. She stated that even when women are eligible, they are often overlooked for promotions and urged women to stand firm and support each other.
The Need for Sustainable Gender-Sensitive Solutions
Akshay Upadhyay stressed that women's empowerment should not be limited to a single day but must be a continuous effort across all mediums. He called for actionable solutions to ensure sustainable development and gender inclusivity in journalism.
Suneet Bhave, President of PUWJ, added that whenever women got a chance, they have proved their capabilities. He emphasized the collective responsibility of the industry to create an environment where women can thrive.
Mental Health and Well-Being of Women Journalists
The Dean of Humanities, Sharma University, announced a new initiative to support the mental health and well-being of women journalists. Under the Centre of Excellence for Psychological Wellness, female journalists will have access to 111 free counseling sessions designed to enhance their mental strength. The hybrid-mode sessions, available both online and offline, will provide personalized reports using scientific tools to ensure tailored support for each individual.
She concluded with an inspiring Hindi verse:
Lehron Se Darkar Nauka Paar Nahi Hoti, Koshish Karne Walon Ki Haar Nahi Hoti
What’s Next?
The event ended with a discussion on the future course of action after this research. Angat Taur drew a parallel between Gutenberg’s printing press in 1440 and ChatGPT in 2022, highlighting the rapid changes in media and journalism. He also spoke about the feeling of burnout among journalists and the need for stronger institutional support.
However, the study had certain limitations, as pointed out by Taur:
- The research was Pune-centric, missing a broader regional perspective
- It presented straightforward problems without in-depth case studies
- A district-wise analysis of challenges was not included
A Call for Collective Action
The session ended with a unanimous agreement that women in journalism must receive equal opportunities, fair wages, and safer workplaces. The report serves as a stepping stone to push for stronger policies, greater awareness, and long-term solutions in the industry.
As a student of the Department of Communication and Journalism, attending this session provided me valuable insights into the struggles and triumphs of women in the media.
It also reaffirmed the need for continuous conversations and concrete actions to make journalism a truly inclusive profession.
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