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Women’s Collective urges safe workplaces

28 Jun 2021

  • Queries industry silence

By Dinitha Rathnayake   In the wake of allegations of incidents of sexual harassment faced by female journalists in local media institutions at the hands of male seniors, the Progressive Women’s Collective (PWC) called for creating a safe workplace environment. Releasing a statement related to allegations of workplace sexual harassment faced by female journalists at media institutions, after multiple female journalists took to social media recently to share their experiences in a manner reminiscent of the international #MeToo movement, the PWC said: “We should be creating spaces that enable women to speak freely, without fear. This does not end with the law; it requires a wider understanding among the people on how gender discrimination and power relations are deeply connected.” The statement further read: “Whilst we stand in solidarity with the women who have spoken out, we are also conscious of how these revelations impact so many. As these women share their stories, we should also be conscious of both the silence of the industries and the noise from the media attention that the women may receive that they may not be prepared for, and to continue to find ways to support them through all of it.” The PWC expressed that they are of the belief that justice needs to be served. “At the same time, we understand that healing, of which speaking out may be an important first step for some, is just as necessary a process. We would also like to share our ultimate conviction in the resilience, potential for learning, growth, and transformation in each and every one of us. This is the hope that will see us through.” Meanwhile, Free Media Movement (FMM) Convenor Seetha Ranjani also commended the courage of the female journalists who came forward with their stories. Noting that there needs to be an ideological change in how issues such as this are addressed, Ranjani added that the Government’s intervention along with the co-operation of the media organisations are paramount if the country is to make progressive change in this respect. Accordingly, Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association (SLWJA) Chairman Duminda Sampath said that media institutions must ensure a safe work environment for women, and further encouraged female journalists to lodge formal complaints if they are faced with similar situations.


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