Guwahati: In a move to address critical issues of press freedom and gender equality within the modern media landscape, the Assam Women Journalists’ Forum (AWJF) on Wednesday organized a Pre-National Press Day discussion titled “Press Freedom and Gender Equality in New Age Media” at the Gauhati Press Club.
The event was graced by Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and North East India, who attended as the chief guest. Dr. Andrew Fleming insisted on the importance of press freedom and gender equality in media.
He elaborated: “I congratulate the women journalists of the North East for creating this platform, candidly discussing the specific challenges they face and providing a network of mutual support. The objective, as in other professions, must be to enable women journalists of the NorthEast to break more glass ceilings in their career and take up decision-making roles.”
His presence highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts across borders in promoting press freedom and addressing gender-related challenges in journalism.
Keynote speakers included Mrinal Talukdar, Consulting Editor and Senior Journalist, and Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty, National Affairs Editor at The Wire.
Both speakers shared valuable insights on the evolving role of journalists in India, the challenges facing press freedom, and the unique obstacles that female journalists encounter in the industry.
Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty emphasized the need for gender equality in media, stating, “I am so happy to be here in Guwahati discussing press freedom, gender equality, and new-age media. While press freedom faces many challenges, gender equality in newsrooms is even more problematic. The balance is still lacking, both nationally and in Assam. When I started my journey 25 years ago, it was the same, so we as women must take a stand and create space for ourselves.”
Mrinal Talukdar highlighted the challenges of achieving true equity in media, remarking, “I am grateful that the Assam Women Journalists’ Forum has organized this event. Gender equity, press freedom, and new-age media are contentious subjects that are often talked about but not practiced. We have a long way to go, especially in Assam, where bias persists in print, digital, and television media.”
AWJF President Durba Ghosh in her speech highlighted the various challenges being faced by women journalists in the industry in a rapidly changing media landscape.
She pointed out that the AWJF is committed to ensuring solidarity among women journalists to help them adapt to the changes and compete with an equal footing in the industry.
The programme was conducted by General Secretary Nasreen Habib while the vote of thanks was delivered by Organising Secretary Tora Agarwala.
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The event was organized under the banner of AWJF as part of its mission to foster an inclusive media environment that upholds principles of equality, empowerment, and excellence. The discussion aimed to encourage dialogue and reflection on the responsibilities of journalists in safeguarding democratic values and promoting a balanced representation in media.
