The Bangladesh chapter of ARTICLE 19, with the support of Free Press Unlimited, has launched a new project to protect women journalists in the country.
The project, called “Righting Wrongs Against Women Journalists”, was inaugurated at a function at the YWCA auditorium in the capital yesterday.
A two-day workshop on protecting women journalists began after the function, said a press release.
“We have been working with women journalists to ensure that their safety and security are protected….So, we are delighted to undertake this new programme, which will support many more women journalists to enable them to speak without fear and work in an enabling environment,” said Tahmina Rahman, director of ARTICLE 19 for Bangladesh and South Asia.
The function was attended by over 60 women journalists, online activists and community radio initiators.
Shah Alamgir, director general of the Press Institute of Bangladesh, Tasmima Hossain, acting editor of fortnightly “Anannya” and Nasimun Ara Haque Minu, president of Bangladesh Nari Sangbadik Kendro (centre for women journalists) were also present.
ARTICLE 19 Bangladesh has been campaigning to end gender-based discrimination in the media and censorship against women journalists.
Women journalists in Bangladesh face many challenges, including low pay, and lack protection from threats, harassment and fraudulent litigation, according to the organisation’s website.