The Department of Communication Science, Diponegoro University, in collaboration with the Asian Center for Journalism, held an event entitled Asian Women Journalists for Media Freedom for 3 days (October 25-27, 2023) at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Undip Tembalang. This event also brought together senior female journalists from the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Nepal and India.
The activity aims to provide a place where mass media leaders can discuss the challenges faced by female journalists, including sexual harassment, online/offline violence, and welfare issues.
The challenges experienced by female journalists were the main focus of the workshop. The discussion will also become input for a research study that will be written jointly by ACFJ, the AdMU Communication Department, and the Department of Communication Science Undip.
On the first day, Dr. Sunarto, M.Sc. (FISIP Undip lecturer), as one of the speakers, presented material entitled “Gender Equality in the Indonesia Newsroom.” He explained that the leadership style of professional female journalists who are sensitive to gender issues is demonstrated through the efforts of female leaders in the media to empower the individual potential of all their members without exception through democratic and egalitarian leadership practices. It encourages all members of the editorial team, especially female journalists, to participate in the decision-making process by stating views and stances that lead to the interests of the organization.
“In certain cases, these female leaders give special treatment to female journalists related to women’s natural issues,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Luviana Ariyanti, M.Si. (Gender Activists of the Alliance of Independent Journalists/AJI) discussed “Sexual Harassment of Women Journalists in Indonesia Media,” telling about cases of sexual harassment experienced by female journalists. (LW/Wigas – Public Relations)
