GENDER NOT AN OBSTACLE FOR WOMEN TO EXCEL IN JOURNALISM

By Nazirah Hasanah Nasaruddin

KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 (Bernama) -- The proficiency of women in journalism are undeniable, with their abiity to undertake challenging tasks now on par with their male counterparts.

Malaysian Women Journalists Association (PERTAMA) president Sariha Mohd Ali said gender is no longer an obstacle for anyone to pursue opportunities in any profession, including journalism.

“I don’t see gender as a barrier for anyone to venture into any field such as the military and sports. As long as it’s not against the law, we can do it.

“In journalism, I often hear of leaders who don’t want women for certain tasks because they think men are stronger. But we have our strengths and abilities too. Whether it’s gathering materials or information, I firmly believe women consistently deliver,” said Sariha, who is also Berita Harian news editor, to Bernama.

Echoing this sentiment is Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam) Women, Family and Cure Bureau chairman Datuk Jamelah A. Bakar, who called for clear recognition of women’s contributions.

The former Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian journalist, who served in the 1970s, acknowledged that the position of women, particularly in journalism, has improved significantly, but gender discrimination still persists in society.

“During my tenure at Utusan Malaysia, there were only two female journalists assigned to the political desk. Despite our small number, we managed to produce numerous exclusive stories, especially regarding the prime minister. Now, our profession is dominated by women.

“For instance, at the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin was the first woman ever appointed to hold the position of editor-in-chief and now she serves as the chief executive officer. Many women also hold editor roles in various media agencies,” she said.

Meanwhile, former Berita Harian editor Zubaidah Abdul Rahman believes that more women have become interested in joining the journalism field, as many pursue studies in relevant fields at higher learning institutions to become media practitioners.

Zubaidah, who began writing at the age of 15 and started her career as a journalist at the New Straits Times on Sept 14, 1964 before retiring in 1998, noted that women’s participation in the field is now more respected compared to her era.

Sharing her experience, she said that during her three-month Southeast Asian Cadets Journalist programme at the beginning of her career, she and a photographer were tasked to explore Kuala Lumpur on foot for a month to familiarise themselves with the streets.

“One time, I was assigned to cover the Selangor State Assembly sitting but was told to get out by officials on the grounds that there were no female journalists working at Berita Harian. I had to leave and contact the office, but they still refused.

“I was also assigned to cover the dark event of May 13, 1969. The situation was incredibly tense, with bodies scattered everywhere. Journalists were threatened with violence and chased by gangsters. But Alhamdulillah, everyone was safe, and this remains the most memorable event in my career,” she said.

To honour media personnel, the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2024 celebration will be held in Kuching, Sarawak from May 25 to 27, and is scheduled to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Over 800 media practitioners, including those from neighbouring countries, have been invited to attend HAWANA 2024, organised by the Communications Ministry in collaboration with the Sarawak government, with Bernama being the implementing agency.

-- BERNAMA