They, however, said women's participation in journalism profession is increasing day by day and the base of their professionalism is strengthening.
The media policymakers came up with the views at a consultation on safety and security of women journalists, organised by ARTICLE 19, an International organisation working on the freedom of expression in the city.
Expressing their concern, the media policymakers said besides eliminating the existing discriminations at the workplace, the institutionalisation and industrialisation of the media is essential for the country’s journalism sector to safeguard women journalists and improve their professional skills.
Alongside the state, the media organisations, journalists' associations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have an important role to be played in this regard, they added.
To illustrate the safety and security of women journalists in various media houses of Bangladesh, ARTICLE 19 interviewed 46 women journalists visiting six mainstream media houses, said ARTICLE 19.
The researchers talked to the policymakers of the media houses on working environment, facilities, obstacles etc. A brief report related to this was also presented at the programme.
Faruq Faisel, Regional Director South Asia of Article 19 facilitated the meeting while Tasima Hossain, Editor of Ittefaq, Sohrab Hossain, joint editor of Prothom Alo, Azizul Parvez, Chief Reporter of Kaler Kantha, Abdur Rahim Harmachi, Chief Reporter of bdnews24.com, Sheikh Jahidur Rahman, Chief Reporter of Ekushev Television, Isha Arora, Senior Sub-editor of Dhaka Tribune, Parvin Sultana Zhuma, General secretary of Bangladesh Nari Sangbadik Kendra and AHM Bazlur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer were, among others, present at the meeting.
Ittefaq Editor Tasima Hossain said, “There’re many laws in the country to protect the interests of journalists. But due to lack of follow-up, those are not properly implemented.”
She said, “In many cases, male colleagues have also nonappearance of gender sensitivity with their counterparts.”
In his speech, Faruq Faisel welcomed the release of eminent photographer Shahidul Alam, saying, “Every citizen has the right to freedom of speech.”
“ARTICLE 19 initially conducted programmes on security and safety of women journalists in six media houses. The number of visiting new houses will be increased in the future,” he added.
Supporting the ongoing #Metoo movement, Faruq further said, “There’s a hope that due to this movement, sexual harassment of women at the workplace will come down.”