Women journalists from Nepal and Bangladesh unite to tackle shared challenges

May 12, Kathmandu: Women journalists from Nepal and Bangladesh have advocated for a robust cross-border alliance to address common professional hurdles and amplify the voices of marginalised communities.

At a dialogue hosted by the Embassy of Nepal in Dhaka on Sunday, media professionals from both nations discussed critical issues such as workplace safety, representation, and leadership opportunities. The participants underscored the need for a collaborative platform to tackle these shared challenges effectively.

Delivering the keynote address, Nepal’s  House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Indira Rana Magar, called for unified efforts to dismantle systemic and societal barriers that women in media face. Drawing from her background as an activist and social worker, she highlighted persistent gender biases in the industry, stating, “Women journalists must come together to drive transformative change.”

Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ghanshyam Bhandari, praised the pivotal role of women journalists in shedding light on underrepresented communities’ stories. “This gathering of Nepali and Bangladeshi journalists strengthens professional bonds and fosters deeper people-to-people connections,” he remarked.

Professor Dr. Hosne Ara Begum, Founder and Executive Director of Thengamara Mohila Sabuj Sangha (TMSS), a leading women-led organisation in South Asia, emphasised the importance of sustaining such pioneering interactions between journalists of neighbouring countries.

Laxmi Bhandari, President of Initiatives of Media Women (IMW), noted that such collaborations would promote capacity building and mutual support, addressing common struggles faced by women in media across both nations.

The event, attended by over 50 women journalists from prominent Bangladeshi outlets such as The Daily Country Today, The Business Standard, BD News24.com, and Financial Express, concluded with a pledge to build stronger cross-border ties.