In Nepal, the mainstream media has given little interest to women’s issues and whatever has been covered the most are rather negative and wrong projections. The media does not seem to give adequate attention to important issues concerning women’s welfare. It has been elitist at best, and at worst sensational and irresponsible.
According to a survey on women in the media, it is estimated that women represent fewer than 30 percent of the employees in the national newspapers and magazines, films and in radio broadcasting compared to most other countries. Furthermore, less than 10 percent are employed at the managerial level. One of the main reasons for limited involvement of women in the press and in the field of writing may be their isolation from exposure to and the exchange of ideas with the outside world.
The history of print media in Nepal is no more than 100 years. The first newspaper of the country, Gorkhapatra, a vernacular daily, was published from a mono type press over 98 years ago. Radio Nepal, the first electronic medium, began almost 44 years ago. Since then the Nepalese media has experienced a slow metamorphosis to arrive at its current state. Today, more than 600 newspapers and magazines and seven electronic media are in operation.
Women’s participation in mass media began as early as 42 years ago. Since then, different women personalities have been persevering to raise the female cause in the media almost on a regular basis. But still, women's participation in the existing media as journalists, editors, reporters, writers and scriptwriters are very nominal. This applies to both print and electronic forms.
The first women’s magazine in Nepal was published 46 years ago, stating in its editorial, “we are going to offer the readers of Mahila (meaning women) a women’s bulletin." It was the first magazine in this country to be edited, managed and published entirely by women. The first issues of Mahila were very interesting as it included many articles relating to current social evils, as well as poetry, news and editorial comments.
Four months after the release of Mahila in 1951, another women’s monthly Prabha was published. This magazine, too, appeared once and disappeared. Then another magazine Pratibha began but folded after a year of publication. In the meantime, Jana Bikas, a magazine of a different style launched under the editorial helm of Rama Devi Pant in 1953. But it also folded after 12 issues. In 1958, a new magazine, Swasnimanchhe (women) was started by a female editor Shashikala Sharma. At the same time that Swasnimanchhe was in public, Chetana appeared under a women editor. Chetana could not continue for more than six issues. In 1962, a weekly magazine with a women editor was established.
After political change in 1960, some women received an opportunity to organize themselves within the framework of a special directive from the government. This magazine became monthly after two years of publication. The publication was regular until 1960 with different editorial boards but it could not contribute much for the development of women in the country.
In 1972 and in 1973 two women’s magazines, Gargi and Nari, came into existence. Other women’s magazines and bulletins were published secretly by various women’s organizations. Most of them usually disappeared after a few issues without making any solid contributions to society. A number of women's magazines launched from 1991. It was a good sign that more and more women’s magazines and papers were coming to support women to express their problems and experiences but due to financial, administrative and management reasons, they also disappeared after a few issues.
Nowadays, some magazines believe that their duty is fulfilled if a small column for women is provided. But this does not bring any change to the status of women in Nepal. More and more women’s magazines and women journalists need to come forward. Many women deliberately avoid this because they think journalists work hard for low pay. The government must direct its efforts to make the print media stand strongly on its feet but it has always been difficult for the media to flourish. If the government, no matter which political party comes to power, shakes off its prejudices and appreciates healthy criticisms, chances are bright for the media to grow.
As there is no adequate representation and participation of female journalists in the print media, more and more women should be encouraged to join the profession, especially at decision-making levels.
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