A new project aimed at strengthening media accountability and promoting gender-responsive reforms for women journalists was officially launched in Dhaka on Monday.
Titled “Strengthening Actions for Media Accountability through a Transformative Approach for Women Journalists (SAMATA),” the initiative marks a significant step toward addressing structural challenges within Bangladesh’s media sector.
The inauguration ceremony, organized by VOICE, was held at the YWCA Auditorium and brought together journalists, media professionals, rights defenders, and civil society representatives. Participants examined the prevailing institutional realities shaping the experiences of women in the media landscape and emphasized that ensuring both digital and physical safety for women requires coordinated and sustained efforts.
Muhammad Hiruzzaman NDC, Director General (Additional Secretary) of the National Institute of Mass Communication (NIMC) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, attended the event as chief guest. He underscored the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive media policies.
“Ensuring a safe and equitable media environment for all, especially women journalists, remains a shared responsibility that requires sustained institutional support and collaboration,” he said.
The SAMATA project is supported by the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) under the supervision of UNESCO Dhaka. Dr Susan Vize, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh, formally inaugurated the initiative as special guest.
In her remarks, Dr Vize highlighted the importance of media accountability and journalist safety in sustaining democratic systems.
“Ensuring the safety of women journalists is not only a matter of protection, but a prerequisite for credible and inclusive journalism. We must move beyond commitments to concrete, systemic changes that embed gender equality within media institutions and governance frameworks,” she said.
Ahmed Swapan Mahmud, executive director of VOICE, emphasized the project’s strategic importance, noting that it aims to catalyze structural change within media organizations.
“Accountability is not just a concept; it must be a practiced reality to ensure that women journalists can contribute to the democratic discourse without facing systemic barriers,” he said.
The event also featured a panel discussion titled “Advancing Gender Equality and Safety in Media,” where experts from media, civil society, and academia explored pathways for building a safer and more inclusive environment.
Hasibur Rahman, executive director of MRDI, stressed the need for stronger institutional standards.
“Media accountability mechanisms must be transparent and inclusive. It is time for media houses to adopt rigorous standards that ensure women can report without fear of retaliation or discrimination,” he said.
Miraj Ahmed Chowdhury, executive director of Digitally Right Limited, highlighted the importance of practical and adaptable gender policies within media workplaces.
“Gender policy in media should be shaped and owned by media professionals and embedded within workplace HR practices. A single approach does not work for everyone,” he said.
Samina Yasmin, director of Strengthening Movements and Leadership at Bonhishikha, underscored the broader impact of the initiative, saying it seeks to promote inclusive and sustainable reforms across the sector.
In her closing remarks, Musharrat Mahera, deputy director of VOICE, pointed out the underrepresentation of women in journalism.
“With women comprising less than 10% of the journalism workforce in Bangladesh, many of their challenges remain unreported and unaddressed. Through the SAMATA project, we aim to develop a comprehensive gender policy and strengthen functional redress mechanisms to ensure safer and more accountable media workplaces,” she said.
The event concluded with a collective call for sustained and coordinated action among stakeholders to strengthen gender-responsive policies and accountability mechanisms, while reinforcing the need to protect both digital and physical spaces for women journalists as essential to building a more inclusive and democratic media environment.