GUWAHATI: The 19th national meet of the Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI) concluded in Guwahati on February 2, after three days of extensive discussions on issues concerning media and women journalists, with a special focus on the challenges faced in Northeast India.
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The meet featured six panel discussions and multiple presentations covering a wide range of topics, including the evolution of regional media in the digital era, the complexities of reporting from and on the Northeast, the trajectory of Assamese cinema in the national film industry, and mental health concerns in newsrooms and field reporting. Discussions also delved into the struggles journalists face both online and offline.
A key session addressed child marriage in Assam, emphasizing the media’s role in advocating multi-dimensional strategies to combat the social menace. Legal experts, social activists, and journalists explored ethical and impactful approaches to reporting on the issue.
A public meeting was held on February 1 on "Media: Conflict and Climate Change—Impact on Women." Notable panelists included journalist-author Sanjoy Hazarika, North East Network (NEN) Chairperson Dr. Monisha Behal, journalist Tongam Rina, and Director of the Centre for Environment and Climate Action Foundation Dr. Kamal Tanti, with PTI Bureau Chief Durba Ghosh moderating. The discussion highlighted how conflict and climate change disproportionately affect women, particularly in riverine communities, while also stressing the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge systems and ensuring responsible media representation.
A special presentation by Whitley Gold Award winner Dr. Purnima Devi Barman on her conservation efforts for the Greater Adjutant Stork (Hargila) and the empowerment of grassroots women in environmental activism was a highlight of the public meeting.
The event also celebrated the region’s cultural heritage with soulful folk songs on the Brahmaputra by Barpeta artistes and a Bihu dance performance.
Founded in 2002, NWMI is a network of women media professionals working across print, electronic, and digital platforms. The organization provides a collaborative space to share resources, promote ethical journalism, and advocate for gender justice in media and society.
With over 200 women journalists from across India in attendance, the meet served as a significant platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and strengthening the discourse on women’s representation and rights in media.