The Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI) concluded its 19th National Meeting in Guwahati on 2 February 2025, calling for more responsible and sensitive reporting on North East India and a more secure environment for independent journalists to carry out their work.
More than 180 women media professionals from 22 states across the country gathered in Guwahati on 31 January for the three-day national meet. Participants engaged in discussions on a range of pressing issues, with particular focus on the complexities of covering the North East, a linguistically, geographically and culturally diverse region with a history of armed conflict.
Participants noted that while it is essential to examine the multi-layered nature of conflicts in the region, reporting from the North East must move beyond an exclusive focus on conflict in order to capture other contemporary realities of the region and specific concerns of its diverse communities. The NWMI called for sensitive, fair and nuanced reporting that takes into account the local dynamics of the North Eastern region, as well as the unique and distinct geographies, histories and cultures.
The media’s vital role in highlighting strategies to eradicate child marriage was discussed at the meeting, among other issues. The conversation identified gaps and inconsistencies in existing laws relating to the issue, as well as the underlying socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to the persistence of the problem, with special focus on the context in Assam. The NWMI underscored the media’s crucial role in monitoring the state’s response to the phenomenon and keeping track of the possible misuse of the “crackdown” to further political agendas by, for example, targeting specific communities.
At the public event organised as part of the meeting, a range of distinguished speakers examined the impact of conflicts as well as climate change on women and stressed the need for the media to draw public attention to these serious concerns. The panel emphasised the importance of consistent reporting on key environmental concerns, including large dams and displacement, access to maternal and child healthcare during floods, and the North East’s unique status as a biodiversity hotspot and food security bank. They noted that regular coverage of these topics is crucial to ensuring due attention to the ongoing climate crisis. The role of women-led community conservation efforts was presented in a unique form through the Hargila conservation story.
The NWMI also expressed deep concern over the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, which has resulted in significant loss of life and livelihoods, in addition to mass displacement and widespread distress. The network emphasised the crucial role of the media in de-escalating tensions through sensitive, factual reporting that avoids further polarisation among different communities. Participants agreed that the news media must provide time and space for voices of peace and reason while also holding the state and public institutions accountable to the people.
The network called for a safe and secure working environment for independent journalists, emphasising the need to create and sustain support systems that can help them navigate various challenges. The NWMI said that issues that hinder the ability of women journalists – particularly freelancers – to do their work, including denial of press accreditation and harassment by vigilantes, the police and other arms of the state must be tackled through collective action.
The Network of Women in Media, India
6 February 2025
Related:
Verified News Reportage the Need of the Hour in Manipur: NWMI – NWM India
