Kathmandu, May 2:

Women journalists are lagging behind in media organisations compared to their male counterparts, speakers said at a programme today.

They are confined to reporting social issues and issues related to women and children, the speakers said at the programme organised on the eve of the World Press Freedom Day.

Foreign Minister Sahana Pradhan said that women journalists can play a vital role in the restructuring of the nation. Speaking at a programme on the Status of Women Journalists, Pradhan said, “Parties and the press should restructure themselves and adopt inclusive policies.”

Pradhan said that the government is yet to provide protection to journalists and ensure conducive environment for them.

FNJ president Bishnu Nisthuri said there is no legal recognition of journalists’ rights. “Journalists are being treated like bonded labourers.”

Nisthuri said that the FNJ is revamping and coming up with a strategy to rope in more women journalists at the central and district chapters of the FNJ. Narayan Wagle, editor of the Kantipur daily, said, “There are a lesser number of women journalists in vernacular dailies, but the scenario is different in English dailies, Radio, TV and in blogs.”

“Issues of women journalists should be internalised and politicised in media houses to strengthen the status of women journalists,” Sangita Lama, president, Working Women Journalist, said.

“Women journalists should be given training and exposure so as to enhance their skills.” A positive discrimination policy should be adopted to bring in more women journalists.