Conquering new frontier

Lency Pangin-

Once upon a time, there were only handful of journalists in Arunachal Pradesh let alone women journalists, but now the table has turned for good. Although there is still an existence of gender parity in the fraternity, which is no denying the fact that little progress that has been made over the last few years, is encouraging if not impressive. 

Statistically, work forces are comparatively lopsided toward men folks but women here in media houses are not just another trophy case with petty ‘grab-me-the-coffee’ kind of job. The work dynamics is different, but the female journalists do have the upper hand (well, most of the time). 

As we look at the working dynamics of Arunachal women in media today, we have come a long way, from the pioneer, Mammang Dai the only woman taking control of a profession that was a male hegemony business. She certainly has paved the way, inspiring others to take up the challenge as well. The outlook of how the profession has completely changed today. It is awe-inspiring in itself. From a desk-job to Managing a media house, and from an Editor to reporting from ground zero everywhere you look there’s a woman behind it.

Often mistaken as a "man’s job" because of the tedious working hours or unpredictable situations, but the early women of journalism definitely paved the way for the young female journalists of today by showing men that women can be just as effective as males in the field of journalism.

Clearly, it’s an ignorant comment underestimating potentials of fair sex in the business of Journalism. There are tons of female journalists who handle the business just as good as any other man. Women do not need an “easy pass” to go, nor do we want to be placed in a safe haven. 

Young aspirants should take a look at few of the media houses of Arunachal, you would be surprised how often or not it’s a woman, taking the role of Editor, the cog-wheel behind working rigorously that goes onto prove that we certainly don’t live in the bygone era where the only possibility to ever work for a media house was some petty menial job. It’s yours for grabs if you have it in you. 

Yes, the profession is demanding and tedious and seem unlikely for it to be fit as “women candidates can apply as well” Yet, with perseverance, they (women) broke through. 

With more women in management today, they are now able to affect the style of newsroom operations. They tend to be more consultative than authoritarian—although certainly successful male publishers and editors are opening their ears to a wider range of ideas than “back in the day.”

The problems and resolutions women have encountered over time have helped shape Arunachal not only in journalism but in life as well. Many people, even women, still think that males can always do a better job in the work environment. But this is an exciting moment not just for media, but for feminism, with a new generation picking up the baton and a feeling of excitement, possibility and new battles to fight, we shall continue this fight. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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