Women journalists must lead, not just assist – Nampu

The Namibia Media Professionals Union has called on media organisations to actively promote women into leadership roles in the newsrooms and not treat them as helpers.

In a statement released on International Women’s Day, union secretary general Jemima Beukes said the leadership of women journalists in newsrooms is overshadowed by men, despite the growing number of women entering the field.

“Leadership positions, editorial authority, and media ownership remain overwhelmingly dominated by men. Women are often assigned support roles, while decision-making positions remain out of reach,” she said.

“Give women the roles they have truly earned through merit, experience, and demonstrated capability,” she said.

Citing a report titled ‘Barriers to Women Journalists in sub-Saharan Africa’ by the African Women in Media, Beukes noted that women journalists still encounter significant challenges that limit their full participation and advancement in the media industry.

According to the report, women in journalism often experience job stagnation, salary discrepancies and an unequal distribution of roles within newsrooms. These conditions frequently prevent them from accessing leadership positions and decision-making roles.

“When demanding or complex assignments arise, women journalists are assigned with unquestionable merit, yet when it comes to promotions, leadership appointments, or recognition, competence is overlooked, and merit is treated as if it is inherently male,” Beukes said.

She added that challenges extend beyond the newsrooms.

In November 2025, United Nations Women reported that women leaders, journalists, and human rights defenders face gendered disinformation campaigns and targeted attacks aimed at silencing their voices and pushing them out of public life.

Beukes called on media houses to strengthen protections against online abuse without bias, saying journalists are not assistants in the profession, but talented storytellers, experienced editors, investigators and competent leaders.

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