Should women journalists be sent to
cover conflict zones? What are the problems that they will face? How safe is it
for female journalists to be in conflict zones around the world? Who is
responsible if something goes wrong while they are in the conflict zones?
We as
humans need to take responsibility for whatever is happening in the world. When
an incident of sexual harassment takes place, as responsible human beings we should
voice our opinion.
The
question, ‘Whether female journalists
should be sent to cover conflict zones’?
According
to me, it is a decision to be made by the journalist herself. If a female
journalist feels that they would be comfortable reporting in a conflict zone
then they should have the freedom to go and if not, then they should have the
liberty to decline the offer.
Though the
journalist herself agrees to cover a conflict zone, if something does go wrong
then necessary action should take place. I feel that the person herself is
responsible as it was her decision to go, but the TV Channel should help her
and bring justice.
If the
journalist is comfortable covering a conflict zone, then she should have the
freedom to go as long as she takes necessary precautions. A few precautions
could be, wearing a ‘dupatta’ over your head when in eastern countries, training
in self-defense and working in groups, which will be uninviting for locals and therefore
safe. Alex Crawford, Orla Guerin, Lindsey Hilsum and Zeina Khodr are a few
journalists who closely monitored the conflict in Libya and did a great job at
it. All these women covered stories from Libya during the revolt and managed
the situation well.
If the
journalist is not comfortable then she should not be sent to cover such areas.
It might affect the career of the journalist herself and also of the TV Channel
as she might not get to go to other places to cover stories. Also, the TV Channel
will lose out on interesting and important news from around the world. If the
journalist is sent forcibly to cover stories in conflict zones, they will not
be able to work well and therefore the TV Channel’s quality of work will be
affected. Also, if there is a situation where the journalist is assaulted then
the channel will be held responsible and they will have to help her.
Marie
Colvin, another female journalist was shot dead in her apartment after
reporting about the torture, mass execution and kidnapping by the military
during the conflict in Chechnya. Such an incident could have occurred with a
male journalist as well. Therefore, I feel that the liberty to decide whether
one wants to cover a conflict zone or not should be with the journalists
themselves, whether male or female.
At the same
time there is also a need of journalists like Lara Logan who have the courage
to speak about the injustice faced by them. Lara Logan was reporting from
Tahrir Square, Egypt when she was assaulted by a mob of over 200 men. Unlike
most other female journalists who would keep that quiet, Lara decided to talk
about it publicly in order to draw attention towards the injustice faced by
many women journalists around the world. Unless we have journalists like Lara
who will bring up the issue to the world, we will not have the knowledge of
such incidents at all.
The UN
Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression said that all journalists around
the world should be given special protection as they are doing a great service
for the society. The responsibility is with the society and they should take
responsibility. I too feel that the journalists are providing an important
service to the society and therefore we all should be responsible for them. As
part of our responsibility we could arrange for extra police protection or
voice our opinions and fight for their rights.
A lot of
people will argue that, if an assault takes place on a female journalist who
had agreed to cover a story in the conflict zone then who will be held
responsible and what happens to the journalist?
I feel that
if a person decided to go after knowing the risks involved, then they should be
responsible for themselves. We should also speak up for the injustice that she
would have faced and bring justice to her.
A few
people might also mention the TV Channel’s policy about reporters and how that
might force female journalists to cover conflict zones.
I personally
fell that the TV Channel needs to be responsible for any situation that the
journalist might face if they are forced to go to a conflict zone. The TV Channel
should be held completely responsible for whatever happens to them while they
are on work in the field.
We have no
right to say what the solution should be, as it is entirely up to the
journalists themselves and their comfort with the situation. There cannot be a
law about such an issue, since every situation might have a different solution
depending on the journalist, the conflict zone and the TV Channel.
by – Savyasachi
Links referred
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ReplyDeleteThe starting does capture the readers interest.
ReplyDeleteThe article focuses on the way women should have the freedom to go where every they want to.
The concern for the cause can be seen through the article as it has a very personal touch, but that makes it a little informal.
Also using more stats to backup the information will give the reader a clearer idea and will support your thesis.
The examples you have used really bring across the point that you r are trying to make.
A few more examples and related instances will add richness to the piece.
You also need to have more details about the opposite position.
You need to explore more and add more dimensions to your piece.
The paragraphs can be rearranged and made a little more connected.
A stronger conclusion would add strength to the piece.