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May 12, 2025 – General-
On World Press Freedom Day 2025, global institutions and national governments turned attention to the role of women in media, emphasizing equality, inclusion, and safety for female journalists. Events across South Asia and beyond reflected growing concerns about the underrepresentation of women in media leadership and their disproportionate exposure to harassment and violence in the field.
In Nepal, government officials, journalists, and human rights activists gathered at an event organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to celebrate the press’s role in strengthening democracy. Speakers stressed the importance of safeguarding the rights of female journalists, promoting fair working conditions, and increasing the representation of women in decision-making positions in newsrooms. Nepalese authorities reaffirmed their commitment to improving working environments and ensuring press freedom across the board, with a gender-inclusive approach.
Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, the situation for women journalists remains critical. The United Nations reiterated its call for Afghan women to be given equal participation in all aspects of life, including the peace process and the media sector. Since the Taliban regained control, many women have been forced out of journalism due to restrictive laws and societal pressures. The UN’s statement emphasized that no lasting peace or democratic progress is possible without the voices of women, including in the press.
In Bangladesh, the Daily Sun highlighted the role of women in preserving and advancing press freedom. Editorials and articles published around World Press Freedom Day emphasized the need for stronger legal protections and systemic reforms to address gender discrimination in media workplaces. Advocates pointed out that although many women work in journalism, their contributions are often undervalued or ignored, and they face unique threats both online and offline.
Collectively, these discussions and declarations signal a broader shift toward recognizing gender as a fundamental component of press freedom. Ensuring safety, equal opportunity, and representation for women in journalism is now seen not just as a workplace issue, but as central to a functioning democratic society and a truly free press.
Reference –
https://risingnepaldaily.com/news/61813
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan/un-calls-women%E2%80%99s-equal-role-peace-process
