Despite making major strides toward gender equality, women still face many challenges in the media workplace. According to a recent report by the Reuters Institute, even though they make up the majority of newsrooms, women are significantly underrepresented in leadership positions.
But this long-standing culture of exclusion is not going unchallenged. Women are harnessing the power of the internet to combat institutional sexism and to create inclusive media spaces for all.To celebrate the work of women journalists, we put together a list of women-run news sites boldly paving the path for diversity and inclusion in journalism. These sites cover a wide range of topics that will give you unique insights into today’s world. Keeping up with women-run media is also a great (and easy!) way to bring real change to newsrooms.
The 19th News Network
The 19th is a nonprofit and independent newsroom that focuses on the intersections between gender, race and politics. Veteran journalists Emily Ramshaw and Amanda Zamora launched the network back in 2020 as a solution to the rampant gender discrimination in corporate newsrooms. The network seeks to publish reliable, accessible and community-centered information that engages everyday citizens. By pursuing a business model that prioritizes public interest over profit-making, the 19th is revolutionizing how news is produced and consumed.
Ms. Magazine
The first national feminist magazine, Ms. Magazine has gained a trustworthy reputation and a dedicated female audience since its founding in 1971. Its controversial debut challenged the idea that women’s media should solely discuss fashion and homemaking. Today, Ms. Magazine continues to represent female voices and highlight critical global issues impacting women. Its columns and series offer an analytical look into topics relating to progressive feminist politics.
Muslim Girl Magazine
Founded in 2007 by author and activist Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, Muslim Girl features the stories of young Muslim American women in everything from sports to fashion to politics to business. The magazine aims to shine a positive light on Muslim women, who are often misrepresented in and altogether excluded from mainstream media. Since its launch over a decade ago, it has become a voice for Muslim girls around the country, giving them a platform to tell their stories in their own words.
Women’s eNews
Women’s eNews is a nonprofit global newsroom dedicated to covering women’s rights issues. For over two decades, it has shed light on the struggles and successes of women around the world. Its website features articles, as well as podcast episodes, on a variety of relevant topics concerning women, such as sports, legislation and health. The organization’s powerful and in-depth storytelling is redefining the way women are portrayed in commercial mass media.
Final Thoughts
Women journalists from different backgrounds are rewriting the rules, establishing digital publications that center the continually marginalized female perspective. These publications are empowering women as well as filling the gaps in news coverage. In a male-dominated news landscape, they play an important role in painting a more nuanced picture of current issues.