Women Journalists face harassment, mistreatment in Kathmandu and Dhangadhi
KATHMANDU | December 17: At a time when the safety of women journalists reporting from the field has become increasingly sensitive and concerning, Media Action Nepal has strongly condemned two separate incidents of harassment and mistreatment of women journalists, calling on authorities to act with sensitivity to ensure a safe working environment for media professionals.
Media Action Nepal has denounced the deliberate physical harassment of journalist Rama Chand while she was reporting during the Sudurpaschim fest in Dhangadhi on December 13. Chand, who is also the editor-in-chief of Naya Sandesh Online, was intentionally pushed by a man under the pretext of a crowd—a moment that was captured on video and later shared on social media.
Sharing the video on Facebook, Chand wrote that the incident reflected the violent mindset and criminal tendencies of those who misuse public spaces to harass women. She described the act as violence against women that causes physical harm, mental trauma, and deep insecurity, demanding justice and accountability. She further stated that pushing is a punishable offense and that the video stands as clear evidence.
The incident reflects the violent mindset and criminal tendencies of those who misuse public spaces to harass women.
Media Action Nepal termed the incident a grave attack on press freedom and journalistic work, raising serious concerns about the safety of journalists—particularly women—while reporting in public spaces. Meantime, Police have arrested Manish Shrestha, 28, in connection with the incident, according to the Kailali District Police Office.
In a separate incident, Media Action Nepal also condemned the harassment of photojournalist Barsha Shah of Deshsanchar in the Baluwatar area on December 16. Shah was forcibly taken to a nearby police beat while covering a symbolic protest near the Prime Minister’s residence.
Shah told Media Action Nepal that while photographing a small demonstration opposing the 10-point agreement reached between Gen Z protesters and the government on December 10, she was approached by police personnel who demanded that she delete her photos without first identifying her or asking for her press credentials. She was then taken to the police beat, and her phone was briefly confiscated while she was on a call with her editor-in-chief. She was released only after police later checked her identification.
Condemning both incidents, Laxman Datt Pant, the Founding Chair of Media Action Nepal said, “These incidents highlight a deeply troubling pattern of harassment and intimidation faced by women journalists in the field. We urge the authorities to be sensitive and fully aware of the rights of journalists.” Those involved in harassing and misbehaving with journalists must be held accountable, and concrete measures must be taken to ensure that journalists—especially women—can report freely and safely without fear, Pant added.
Those involved in harassing and misbehaving with journalists must be held accountable, and concrete measures must be taken to ensure that journalists—especially women—can report freely and safely without fear.