On Sunday, Indira Ranamagar, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nepal, attended an interaction at the Nepal embassy in Dhaka. Photo: Collected

DHAKA, May 12, 2025 (BSS) – Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nepal Indira Ranamagar on Sunday called for dismantling structural and societal barriers that continue to hinder the full and meaningful participation of women in the media sector.

She also underscored the urgent need for collective action to create a more inclusive and women-friendly media landscape in South Asia.

Drawing from her experiences as a politician and social activist, she said that women journalists often face deep-rooted challenges that limit their visibility and opportunities in newsrooms and beyond.

The deputy speaker was addressing an interaction titled “Promotion of Friendship and Cooperation between Women Journalists of Nepal and Bangladesh” held at the Nepal embassy in Dhaka.
The event was jointly hosted by the Embassy of Nepal in Dhaka and Initiatives of Media Women (IMW) Nepal, bringing together female journalists from both countries for dialogue, networking, and mutual learning.

Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari, speaking on the occasion, highlighted the essential role of women media professionals in amplifying the voices of the marginalized and telling stories that often go unheard. 

He lauded the IMW’s initiative for fostering cross-border media collaboration and enhancing people-to-people ties between Nepal and Bangladesh.

IMW President Laxmi Bhandari shared her organization’s efforts to empower women in journalism and expressed optimism that the event would serve as a catalyst for enduring partnerships among women journalists in the region.

Thengamara Mohila Sabuj Sangha (TMSS) Dr Husne-Ara Begum and Joint Council CC23 deputy director Swopnil also spoke, who echoed the importance of gender equity in media representation and decision-making.

Earlier, women journalists from Nepal and Bangladesh engaged in informal discussions, where they exchanged personal and professional experiences, identified shared challenges, and explored avenues for future collaboration and solidarity.