March has finally arrived, meaning the celebration of Women’s History Month. Women’s History Month allows us as a society to recognize the contributions of women throughout history and the present day. This month, we honor the women who challenged historical bias that has excluded them while pioneering in different fields.
Having this representation is so important since it establishes new perspectives and allows there to be equality in different industries. One of those industries is journalism, where one gathers, records, verifies, and reports information to the public, aiming to inform society objectively and accurately.
Having women in the journalism industry brings representation that is crucial for society to have. Women journalists bring a whole new understanding of different events and issues, challenge harmful stereotypes, and ensure women’s voices are being heard and valued.
Here are women journalists who have impacted the industry:
Ida B. Wells-Barnett
Ida B. Wells-Barnett was an investigative journalist, early leader in the civil rights movement, sociologist, and educator. Wells-Barnett was born into slavery; however, she was freed after the Civil War ended. She used her platform to expose racial injustices, particularly the horrors of lynching, and advocated for equality. This set the lead for truth-telling and activism in reporting.
Wells-Barnett’s work launched investigative reporting techniques like on-the-ground research, statistical analysis, and diligent fact-checking to expose the truth about racial violence. She was able to use the data she accurately gathered to support the stories she was telling.
The fearless reporting and advocacy Wells-Barnett had for Black civil rights set a standard for journalists, especially those who reported on social issues. Wells-Barnett wrote about the lynching in the United States, where it debunked the misconception that all Black lynchings were victims guilty of crimes.
Jovita Idar
Jovita Idar was a Mexican-American journalist and activist during the 1900s. Idar used her words to expose the discrimination and advocate for the rights of Mexican Americans and women in the early 20th century. All while, she also defended the freedom of the press.
Idar’s writing for the Spanish-language newspapers “La Crónica and El Progreso” highlights issues like segregation, lynching, and inferior housing faced by Mexican-Americans, specifically in South Texas. Her writing also places importance on educating women and championing women’s right to vote.
Ehtel Payne
Ehtel Payne was known as the First Lady of the Black Press due to her fearlessness as a journalist and a civil rights activist. Payne became the first African American woman to be a part of the White House Press Corps, along with radio and television commentators.
Payne covered major events like the Korean War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Vietnam War. She was able to break barriers as a journalist and was known for the questions on topics that other journalists would not approach.
Gloria Steinem
Gloria Steinem was a journalist who was a trailblazer for feminism and became one of the most visible leaders and spokeswomen of the women’s rights movement in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Steinem co-founded a magazine in 1972 known as “Ms. Magazine,” which became the first national feminist magazine.
It revolutionized how the media discussed and portrayed women’s issues. Not only was the magazine run by women, it gave the perspective of a woman on issues that usually were misrepresented.
Steinem, with her magazine, brought women’s topics to the national stage, where it covered issues like reproductive rights, domestic violence, and workplace discrimination. It created a safe space for reliable information that inspired women. It empowered women and challenged societal norms.
Nellie Bly
Nellie Bly was a journalist who pioneered investigation and undercover reporting. Bly exposed social injustices and paved the way for women in the field. Bly went undercover as a patient in a New York City mental asylum to expose its horrific conditions.
Her work led to reforms in treating the mentally ill and inspired other journalists. She reported on issues like working conditions for women, child labor, and divorce, highlighting social injustices and advocating for reform.
Bly’s daring investigative work demonstrated that women were capable of serious, hard-hitting journalism. This opens the door for future generations of female journalists. Her work helped establish women as serious reporters, challenging traditional gender roles in the newsroom.
Which journalist was your favorite to learn about? Let us know @HerCampusSJSU!