The NWMI expresses concern over the order of the High Court of Meghalaya holding Patricia Mukhim and Shobha Chaudhuri of contempt of its court and imposing a fine of Rs 2 lakh to be paid within two weeks. This order, if carried out, could not only result in the intimidation of the individuals concerned but could also deter freedom of expression and threaten press freedom in the country as a whole.
The NWMI concluded its 14th national meeting in New Delhi on 3 February 2019 with a renewed resolve to continue calling upon media organisations, especially decision makers within them, to recognise that gender equality is a fundamental right, and that ensuring inclusive and safe workplaces (within and outside offices), as well as gender aware and balanced coverage of events and issues, are Constitutional obligations that they are duty bound to seriously strive to fulfil.
The NWMI is deeply concerned about the continuing threat to a Guwahati-based woman journalist, and demands that the police take stronger action on her FIR detailing the alleged assault by a reporter of Republic TV.
Journalists need the freedom to investigate and report on stories of public interest –whether illegal sand mining or corrpuption– and hold those in power accountable. A free press, is after all, one of the cornerstones of a democracy, without which it would be reduced to a farce. The NWMI therefore calls upon the Tamil Nadu police to desist from harassing journalists and stop the witch-hunt to which they are being subjected. The BJP must ask its members to cease false propaganda and innuendo against journalists who were doing their job.
Members of the NWMI won accolades at the recently concluded Laadli Media Awards ceremony. The 9th edition of the Laadli Award was held at United Services Institute of India, New Delhi on September 14. Eighty-two media professionals from across the country working in 13 languages were honoured for their outstanding effort in highlighting gender concerns. The awards were presented by P Sainath, a renowned development journalist, founder editor of People’s Archive of Rural India (PARI) and Magsaysay Award winner along with other leaders from the media and development sectors.