Women Journalists in Patriarchal Societies

For every breaking news story, political interview, or fieldwork investigation, there lies a hard-working journalist who is expected to report quickly, accurately, and objectively. However, for many women journalists, the profession involves challenges that go beyond deadlines and reporting responsibilities. They often face criticism rooted in patriarchal attitudes simply because they have chosen a profession that requires visibility, independence, and public engagement. 

Irregular work schedules, constant travel, and frequent interaction with diverse communities can be stressful for anyone. Yet women journalists often face additional scrutiny regarding their working hours, career ambitions, and personal choices. While male journalists are frequently praised for their dedication, women may find themselves questioned for prioritising their careers. Female journalists around the world also face threats and online abuse daily (UNESCO, 2021). Such experiences not only affect career growth but also have serious consequences for emotional well-being and mental health.

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Need for Continuous Proofs of Capability 

Although more women are entering journalism, acceptance and equal treatment within media organisations remain significant challenges. Many female journalists continue to face discrimination, unequal opportunities for advancement, and gender-based biases (North, 2016). In addition to having their professional performance evaluated, women journalists are often judged on their appearance, attire, speaking style, and emotional expressions. This places an additional emotional burden on them and can contribute to self-doubt. 

According to psychologists, continuous exposure to criticism and bias can lower self-confidence and self-esteem. It may also contribute to anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and burnout. Burnout is a psychological condition characterised by physical and emotional fatigue resulting from prolonged workplace stress. Patriarchal social attitudes can further worsen the situation. Many families consider journalism unsuitable for women because of its late working hours, field reporting assignments, and public visibility. Consequently, women journalists often experience pressure to prioritise family responsibilities over professional ambitions. 

For example, a young television reporter covering political events may be required to travel frequently and work late into the night. While her male colleagues may be appreciated for their dedication, she may face questions from family members regarding her safety, marriage prospects, or ability to manage household responsibilities. Such situations can create emotional stress and feelings of guilt. 

This often leads to what researchers describe as “role conflict,” where professional responsibilities and social expectations clash (Byerly, 2013). Many women journalists struggle to balance demanding careers with societal expectations, resulting in psychological and emotional exhaustion. Some may even avoid reporting incidents of workplace discrimination for fear of being labelled emotional or difficult, thereby allowing unhealthy workplace cultures to persist.

Emotional Distress Caused by Online Harassment 

The rise of social media has transformed journalism by enabling reporters to connect directly with audiences. However, for many women journalists, these platforms have also become spaces for harassment and abuse. 

According to UNESCO (2021), more than 72 per cent of women journalists have experienced online violence. Such abuse includes sexism, threats of sexual violence, body shaming, cyberbullying, and targeted harassment. Women reporting on politics, gender issues, and social justice are often particularly vulnerable. Unlike professional criticism, online harassment frequently targets personal characteristics rather than journalistic work. This can cause significant emotional and psychological harm. 

A notable example is the experience of several women journalists who report on political and social issues. Many have publicly shared accounts of receiving abusive messages, threats, and sexist comments after publishing reports. Such attacks often extend beyond professional criticism and undermine their personal sense of safety. 

Read More: How Workplace Harassment Affects Mental Health

Psychological Effects of Online Harassment 

• Increased anxiety and constant fear of future attacks. 
• Symptoms of depression, including sadness, hopelessness, and loss of motivation  (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). 
• Emotional fatigue resulting from continuous exposure to abusive comments.
• Hypervigilance, where journalists remain constantly alert and worried about potential threats. 
• Avoidance of sensitive reporting topics due to fear of further harassment.
• Reduced participation in public discussions and online engagement. 

Family members may also become concerned about the safety of journalists facing online threats. In conservative societies, women journalists are sometimes blamed for attracting attention to themselves rather than receiving support. As a result, some are pressured to leave the profession altogether. Therefore, media organisations must provide adequate psychological support, counselling services, and digital security measures to protect journalists from the mental health consequences of online abuse. 

Unpredictable Working Hours and Mental Fatigue 

Journalism is a profession without fixed working hours. News can break at any moment, requiring journalists to work late nights, travel unexpectedly, and remain available during emergencies. Such unpredictability can be mentally and physically exhausting, particularly for women who may already shoulder additional responsibilities outside the workplace. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO, 2022), uncertainty and excessive workloads contribute to stress, insomnia, and burnout. 

Common Consequences of Unpredictable Working Hours 

• Sleep deprivation and chronic exhaustion. 
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions. 
• Increased workplace stress and emotional burnout. 
• Exposure to traumatic events such as disasters, violence, and accidents.
• Higher risk of developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 
• Anxiety related to late-night travel and field reporting assignments. 
• Challenges in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 
• Emotional strain from reporting distressing events while remaining professionally objective. 

Female journalists often face additional concerns about personal safety while working late or travelling to unfamiliar locations. This constant awareness of potential danger increases workplace stress. Furthermore, families may discourage women from accepting certain assignments because of perceived risks. 

Fortunately, supportive workplace policies such as safe transportation, flexible leave arrangements, counselling services, and mental health resources can help reduce these pressures and improve overall well-being.

Expectations Within Family and Societal Judgments 

Many women journalists continue to face societal pressures even after leaving the workplace. Traditional patriarchal norms often dictate expectations regarding behaviour, family responsibilities, and career choices. Journalism frequently challenges these expectations because it requires independence, public interaction, and mobility. Women journalists are often judged for working late, travelling alone, or interacting with strangers as part of their professional duties. Such judgments can create feelings of guilt, emotional stress, and self-doubt. 

According to sociologist Sylvia Walby (1990), patriarchal structures contribute to unequal expectations for individuals. While ambitious men are often admired, ambitious women who challenge traditional gender norms may face criticism and resistance. Women journalists who are married or have children often encounter additional challenges in balancing professional and domestic responsibilities. Some leave the profession due to insufficient support, while others remain but struggle to manage competing demands. These pressures can contribute significantly to psychological exhaustion. 

At the same time, strong support systems can make a meaningful difference. Encouragement from family, friends, and colleagues helps women journalists build confidence and pursue their careers successfully. Therefore, society must recognise journalism as a respected profession regardless of gender and promote greater awareness of gender equality and mental health.

Read More: Gender Norms and Self-Concept in India  

Conclusion 

Women journalists perform the same essential functions as their male counterparts: informing the public, exposing important issues, and contributing to democratic discourse. However, they frequently encounter mental health challenges resulting from discrimination, harassment, workplace stress, and societal expectations. These challenges can lead to anxiety, depression, burnout, emotional exhaustion, and trauma. The experiences of women journalists demonstrate that mental health concerns in journalism are not solely professional issues but are also shaped by social attitudes, gender expectations, and workplace cultures. 

Creating a healthier environment requires collective action from media organisations, policymakers, families, and society as a whole. Employers must ensure safe working conditions, provide mental health support, and promote gender equality. Families and communities must also encourage women to pursue journalism without fear, judgment, or stigma. Career success in journalism should not come at the cost of mental well-being. Supporting women journalists means supporting both gender equality and mental health in the workplace.

References +

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