Male journalists must be stronger allies for their female counterparts by supporting women to take up decision-making roles in newsrooms, said a visiting award-winning Canadian journalist here today. At an event in Kathmandu on how inclusive newsrooms foster stronger reporting in conversation, Associate Professor at Carleton University’s School of Journalism and Communication of Canada, Nana aba Duncan, in conversation with Chair of Media Action Nepal Laxman Datt Pant, said that an inclusive newsroom creates a space that female journalists deserve and provides a level playing field in terms of growth opportunities for women. The event was organized by the High Commission of Canada and Media Action Nepal. “Newsrooms must recognize those who are excluded. And we have to change the way we look at stories,” said Duncan who had hosted several radio programs for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and is the founder and executive director of Media Girlfriends, a podcast company.

While seeking diversity, she said, we must not pigeonhole journalists from marginalised communities. “Recruiting them only to tick boxes, assigning them only the issues to cover from their communities or constantly perceiving and projecting their difference prevents them from speaking up, presenting their perspectives and bringing nuances to discussions.”

In her message to a diverse group of journalists representing print, broadcast and online media outlets, Duncan stressed the need for communicating with each other and forming an inclusive community of media persons that nurtures and supports professional growth. Earlier while speaking during an inaugural session of the event, Head of Advocacy Program at the High Commission of Canada, Colin Shonk, said Canada’s commitment to protecting and promoting free and vibrant media is unwavering. "Representation of women in newsrooms is important at both a practical and symbolic level and we are not there yet." Similarly, Media Action Nepal Chair Pant spoke about how things have changed in Nepal's media sector in the recent time, saying that movements like Me Too have led to an increased awareness in the newsroom. "Still today, there are journalists in particular from minority and deprived communities who are unable to come forward and speak up for themselves. It's high time for creating an enabling environment that ensures newsroom representation not just based on gender and number, but also in terms of diverse voices." The two-hour-long event, attended by around 80 journalists and journalism students, remained highly interactive and engaging with many participants asking questions around inclusive newsrooms linking to Nepal's contexts. As her parting shot, Duncan said she felt blessed that the participants felt comfortable enough to share their stories and hoped that they would continue to do so as sharing stories builds empathy.