The evolution of mass media in Nepal began with the introduction of the hand press in 1851 A.D. The printing of the first monthly magazine “Sudha Sagar” in 1891 actually signifies the beginning of Nepali journalism. Two years later in 1901, the first weekly newspaper was published which was converted into a daily newspaper in 1960. The first state owned “Gorkhapatra Corporation” came into being in 1964 and the first English daily “The Rising Nepal” was brought out in 1965.
The participation of women in Nepalese journalism is relative not so old. In the year 2008 B.S., after the publication of monthly magazine "Mahila" women's participation in Nepalese media was observed. Sadhana Pradhan and Kamakshya Devi were editors, for the magazine. Since then some women were seen as editors for weekly and monthly magazines.
Towards the electronic media in Nepal, Radio Nepal is the pioneer radio station which has started broadcasting in 1951. Television media is considered as new technology that was started in the year 1985. After the establishment of Nepal Television in 1985 (2041 B.S.), the participation of women media communicators was noticed and has increased remarkably by now. The restoration of democracy in 2006 has paved the way for the development of media in Nepal. After the establishment of numerous, private newspapers, FM stations and private television channels, women's participation in media has been increased.
But it is realized that participation of women in the media sector is not yet at the satisfactory level with respect to the rapid development of media in Nepal.
At present, there are around 4000 papers and half a dozen of television stations that air their programmers from within the Nepalese border whereas more than 60 FM radios are into existence at present in the entire nation. But new media is still limited in number.
In present context as well, women's participation in decision-making level is negligible. In spite of the change in media environment after democracy, visible improvement in terms of women's participation and gender mainstreaming in media is yet to be achieved. Top management or decision-making level is still male dominated and influenced by patriarchal perception with negligible number of women holding senior positions. It is noticed that few young women journalists who have emerged in reporting field are still tend to be assigned to “soft issues” such as culture, art and lifestyles but not “hard issues” like politics, conflict, security, economy etc. But those women who are reporting such “hard issues” are performing excellent.
The current reality is, women have become more visible in radio and television as presenters and announcers but few women are in reporting, editing and in other technical department. Moreover, the presences of women in any official commissions, boards or committees formed for formulating policies or monitoring the media are very few in number. Out of 13 members, there is only one woman in Press Council as a Board Member. In private media organizations as well, very few women are holding the decision making position.
As per the paper presented by Mr. Mahendra Bista, General Secretary of Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) during one of the program in Kathmandu, less than 10 percent female journalists are registered as member in Federation of Nepalese Journalists.
The research work that studies 16 media houses entitled "State of Inclusion in Ownership of Media Houses and Editorial Mechanism" by Journalist Mohan Singh Lama, shows 10 percent of women's ownership in media and 12 percent in News Department. Towards the government owned, the percentage of women representation is even low. Representation of women in decision-making level in government media is nil. In all four government owned media no women occupy the chief editor post. On the other hand in 13-member board of Press Council, there is only one women member.
Similarly, according to a research conducted by Sancharika Samuha on “Status of Women Journalists in Nepalese Media” in 2005, there are only about 12% women working in media and, among these, only a negligent number occupy decision-making positions. The research report further states:
“Women's participation is minimal in the journalism sector in Nepal and those who join the profession are not able to give it long-term continuity. The reason for this is that journalism is not considered a suitable profession for women, as the mobility of most Nepali women is very restricted. "
Data shows that, amongst the total participants (124) involved in the research, 65 percent of women journalists are working with FM radios. The second high percentage of are in television sector. Very few women are associated with "New Media" or "Online Journalism".
It is clear from the research presented by Sancharika that women journalists are discriminated. There exist lots of problems and challenges for the female journalists in Nepal. Increasing number of Media houses around the country has definitely increased the number of women in radio but their sustainability in the profession is not very fine. Lack of gender friendly environment, family and social barriers, high expectation but less achievements, more economical benefits and high position in any other profession rather than journalism has discouraged the female journalists.
