Published Paper Details:

The mass media is perceived as a fourth pillar of a nation. The journalistic profession is seen as a tool to report the facts and question the injustice happenings in the society. In this male dominated field, women's participation and their achievements are inevitable. Since ancient times, women have displayed their remarkable ability in reporting the human rights violations, corruptions, and also investigative reporting. In 2021 the World Press Freedom Index had ranked India at 142 out of 180 countries. The reporters face physical harassments to murder due to multiple challenges and social stigma. The reason for the ranking in the world press freedom can be said due to the vilification of the journalist, police cases against them, defamation and sedition suits etc. In case of women, they face more challenges in this profession. According to Reporters without Borders there has been a 35% rise in women journalists being sent to prison for their work worldwide. It also includes, gender bias, disparity in pay package, intimidation, violence of sexual nature, threats to their families, trolls, and the like. Reporters are required to seek judicial help for their safety. There are many case studies of the struggles that the women journalist has faced and enduring. The situation of women journalists is contrary in the present time. On one side, there is a strong participation of women in media. But at the same time, the safety and their professional growth is a questionable one. There are many successful women journalists in the country who have paved their way to the top. In this study, the researcher tried to understand the real time challenges in this journalism field through qualitative method. It will also provide the suggestion for the women reporters to make a mark in this male dominated profession.