Women’s History Month stands as an emblem of hope and perseverance for people across the globe. Individuals from all over the nation gather to showcase the triumphs of women and recognize trailblazers in every aspect of society. The discrimination and sexism women faced in the beginning stages of journalism and reporting has had a significant impact in the way news is spread and produced — from college campuses to large press scales like The New York Times.
Kitty Barry Crawford was hired in 1912 as the first female reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, one of the biggest news outlets in DFW. This was during a time in the country when women were not allowed the right to vote or drive. Although Crawford’s new position was a step in the right direction, she was deemed a “sob sister,” meaning she was given stories that covered society events. She wrote human-interest stories, while stories of more interest were automatically given to the men. Crawford was made fun of relentlessly by her peers until she got an interview with Lena Sneed, the wife of accused murderer J.B. Sneed. Sneed stood accused of the murder of his wife’s lover. This was one of the most infamous cases in Fort Worth at the time, and Crawford’s interview gave more merit to her journalistic efforts.
The 2017 #MeToo movement, pioneered by Tarana Burke, was defined by the investigative journalism by women exposing accounts of sexual harassment of women. The continued journalistic efforts garnered support for all survivors, regardless of gender. This was a hallmark for a shift in conversations surrounding sexual harassment in newsroom dynamics and beyond.
Journalism is critical in the dissemination of accurate and real time information. Women on the front lines of current events have been a key resource in understanding issues, such as the Gazan Genocide.
Before the events of October 2023 took place, Instagram user @Wizard_bisan1, best known from her opening line: “Hello. It’s Bisan from Gaza, I’m still alive,” has been documenting the beauty and pain of Palestine as events are occurring. Because of her bravery and valiant efforts of documenting everything taking place, there is a new narrative of the Palestinian people being shown that humanizes and understands their plight better than before.
Even with major strides breaking gender barriers in journalism, there are still disparities in newsrooms all across the globe. Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism reports that, on average, only 40% of journalists in 12 markets are women. Organizations like the Coalition For Women in Journalism continue to fight for more opportunities, integrity and justice for women in the field of journalism. From the scope of Eastfield Campus to the largest pressrooms across the globe, it is imperative that women are able to work with the same journalistic integrity as their counterparts, and that their efforts are respected and encouraged.
