Women have long encountered formidable challenges in the newsroom, often required to exert twice the effort to earn recognition and respect alongside their male colleagues. Lice Movono, a former journalist from Fiji and now a reporter for ABC News, shared her personal journey, highlighting how her youth and gender frequently demanded a more vigorous push for validation in her early career.
Movono emphasized a prevailing tendency within the industry to favor male reporters for sports assignments, particularly in rugby. This bias stems from a widespread belief that men have a deeper understanding of the game, a notion that persists irrespective of their actual experience in the sport. This stereotype fails to acknowledge the active participation of women in rugby, both as avid supporters and informed analysts.
Moreover, she noted the cultural barriers that influence assignment decisions. Often, male journalists are selected to cover indigenous or rural events due to traditional customs, which unfortunately undermines the capabilities of women like Movono, who possess a rich understanding of these dynamics. Another factor at play is safety concerns, which can lead to women being bypassed for certain stories, reinforcing the damaging stereotype of their vulnerability.
Despite these ongoing hurdles, Movono maintains an optimistic outlook on the journalism industry’s evolution. She observes an encouraging rise in women thriving in sports journalism and believes that structural barriers are being gradually dismantled. This positive change is attributed to a concerted effort from both women and supportive male editors working harmoniously to foster an inclusive environment.
Movono remarked, “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 approach has always been to intensify her efforts. She has proactively shaped her career by launching her own freelance website and transitioning from full-time positions to gain greater control over her professional trajectory. By embodying determination and innovation, she exemplifies how, when provided the opportunity, women can learn, lead, and flourish in the field of journalism. More women are carving out their paths in this industry, signaling an inspiring shift towards a more equitable future.