Women have historically faced significant challenges in the newsroom, often needing to exert double the effort to demonstrate their capabilities alongside their male counterparts. This issue was brought to light by former Fiji journalist and current ABC News reporter Lice Movono, who recounted her experiences in the early days of her journalism career. She quickly recognized that being young and female often necessitated a harder push for acknowledgment and respect.
Movono highlighted the tendency for male reporters to be favored for sports assignments, particularly in rugby, due to the prevailing assumption that they possessed a better understanding of the game, an idea that persisted regardless of their actual experience with the sport. This stereotype overlooks the fact that women actively participate in and support rugby, both as fans and analysts.
Additionally, she pointed out how cultural barriers impact assignment decisions. Male journalists are frequently chosen for coverage of indigenous or rural events because of traditional customs, which dismisses the capability of women like Movono, who have been raised to understand these dynamics. Furthermore, safety concerns often lead to women being passed over for certain stories, perpetuating a stereotype of vulnerability.
Despite these ongoing challenges, Movono remains optimistic about the evolution of the industry. She notes an increasing presence of women excelling in sports journalism and emphasizes that structural barriers are gradually being dismantled, thanks to the collective efforts of women and supportive male editors working together.
Movono expressed, “You need the men and the women to work together for these structural barriers to be taken away. And I’ve seen some really great male editors work with the women leaders to get rid of that.”
Whenever faced with underestimation, Movono’s response has always been to increase her effort. She has taken proactive steps to build her career, from creating her own freelance website to transitioning from full-time roles to exert more control over her professional path. By emphasizing determination and innovation, she demonstrates that women can learn, lead, and thrive in journalism when given the opportunity.