KATHMANDU, MAY 9

Media Advocacy Group (MAG), in partnership with the US Embassy, recently conducted a study titled 'Status of Nepali Women Journalists Covering Foreign Affairs' to explore the participation status of women journalists in foreign affairs reporting, identify factors contributing to their under representation in this field, and develop strategies to increase their participation.

The findings of the research were made public during an event organized by MAG in Pulchowk on May 8, 2023. The ceremony was chaired by Anita Bindu, President of MAG, and Ministry of Communication & Information Technology Rekha Sharma, was the Chief Guest. Additionally, Ambassador Dean R. Thompson of the United States Embassy in Nepal attended the event as a special guest

The research was carried out from November 2022- February 2023. The study utilized a combination of quantitative and qualitative techniques, including online surveys, focused group discussions, and in-depth interviews.

According to the press release issued by MAG, the online survey was conducted among 500 women journalists. Among the surveyed women journalists, only 13.3% were engaged in political beats and 6.6% were engaged in foreign affairs and security affairs reporting. Regarding the status of participation of women journalists in foreign affairs reporting, only 2.9% of respondents considered that women journalists have high status in foreign affairs and security reporting, while 24.3% claimed it to be moderate, and a huge majority of respondents, i.e., 72.8%, shared that women journalists have less status in foreign and security affairs reporting.

Regarding the reason for the low representation of women journalists in foreign affairs reporting, 23.6% of surveyed respondents shared that gender stereotypes and gender biases in the media are the main reasons for the under representation of women in foreign affairs reporting and diplomacy. 19.8% of respondents claimed it was the lack of interest and knowledge in foreign affairs reporting and diplomacy. 16% considered foreign affairs reporting to be more challenging than other beats and cited this as the main reason for the low number of women in foreign affairs reporting. 15.1% of respondents shared that women are underrepresented in Nepali media, which leads to fewer women in foreign affairs reporting. 13.2% claimed that senior management does not trust women reporters in foreign affairs reporting, and 6.6% claimed that foreign affairs reporting requires tremendous effort, time, and dedication with the same payment as in other beat reporting. 2.8% believed proficiency in the English language also affected the interest to cover foreign affairs.

Regarding their interest in pursuing a media career in foreign and securing affairs reporting, 85.6% showed their interest in pursuing a career in foreign and securing affairs reporting, while 7.7% showed no interest, and 6.7% were not sure whether they would further their career in foreign and securing affairs reporting.

On improving the participation of women journalists in foreign and security affairs reporting, 51.8% of respondents believed that capacity building of women journalists in foreign affairs reporting is important, while 21.2% stressed the need for gender-responsive media house policies to encourage more women journalists to cover foreign affairs reporting; 14.4% said that letting go of the mindset that foreign affairs is a beat that only men can cover, and 9.6% believed that developing personal interest in pursuing the foreign affairs beat is important.

Foreign affairs issues are complicated in the case of Nepal due to its complex geopolitical location and other ties with other countries in terms of economic, political, and cultural context. Reporting on foreign issues can be sometimes tricky as it can be related to the status of the country. Being a highly intellectual and diplomatic issue, reporting on foreign issues is difficult too. On top of that challenges include gender-based discrimination and bias, lack of motivation and awareness, exclusion from professional networks and sources, and limited opportunities for career advancement are other concerns for the under representation of women journalists in foreign affairs reporting. The women journalists feel undervalued and underrepresented in their field and highlight the need for greater support and mentorship for women in foreign affairs and security reporting.

To address these challenges, the study identifies various strategies that could help increase women journalists' representation in foreign affairs and security reporting. These include providing more opportunities for training and professional development, developing specialized expertise in certain areas of foreign affairs reporting, increasing the visibility and recognition of women journalists including building networks and alliances with other women journalists, and creating more supportive and inclusive workplaces to promote gender equality in newsrooms.

The study emphasized the need for greater support and recognition for women journalists in foreign affairs and security reporting. This includes providing more opportunities for women journalists to access sources and build their expertise, as well as promoting greater diversity and inclusion in newsrooms and professional associations.

Overall, the findings of this study shed light on the need to address challenges faced by women journalists in foreign affairs reporting and to take concrete steps to support and empower women in this field. By promoting greater diversity and inclusion in foreign affairs reporting, we can help to ensure that a wider range of perspectives and voices are represented in the global conversation on important issues.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Dean R. Thompson, U.S. Embassy in Nepal, acknowledged the significant disparity of 85% interest and only 6.6% participation among women journalists in foreign affairs reporting, which highlights the prevalent issue of censorship and self-censorship they face. The embassy seeks to improve conditions for women journalists by offering programs and grants. Ambassador Thompson underlined the significance of combating misinformation and disinformation, which divide society and cause media pandemonium, resulting in bad public opinion consequences. Ambassador Thompson emphasized the significance of countering misinformation and disinformation to ensure a more informed society. He expresses gratitude to all journalists for their profession, recognizing that journalism serves as a vital pillar of democracy.

At the same event, Communication Minister Rekha Sharma advocated for the prompt implementation of the Mass Communications Act, emphasizing its importance for all. Minister Sharma, stressed the need to establish good governance to ensure media influence and credibility in disseminating accurate information.

MAG is a national-level NGO that has been working in Nepal since 2008, promoting gender equality, women's empowerment, and the Right to Information through media mobilization. MAG has also been working in the field of misinformation and disinformation and MAG has consistently advocated for the capacity building of women journalists in Nepal and conducted several researches concerning them.