Besa Luci in conversation with Maša Mileusnić and Dafina Halili.

In this episode, we talk about the experiences of women journalists in Kosovo, Serbia and the broader region. 

Though women's perspectives and voices are increasingly incorporated into media content, there's been relatively limited discussion about how media outlets are failing women journalists in the workplace. Women have long been aware of the pervasiveness of gender discrimination, but two recent reports have documented the full extent of workplace sexism in newsrooms across Kosovo and Serbia.

The findings of these reports align with global surveys that reflect the unfortunate truth that gender-based discrimination is prevalent in the media workplace.

Relying on surveys and conversations with over 500 women journalists across the two countries, it is one of the first comprehensive looks into the topic. Some of the forms of discrimination highlighted in the research are sexual harassment, ageism and the lack of support for journalists who are mothers. These obstacles result in hostile work environments that can compromise the well-being of women journalists and hinder their professional growth.

We were joined by Maša Mileusnić and Dafina Halili to discuss the reports’ findings and other challenges women face as journalists. 

Maša Mileusnić is a journalist and a member of the Serbia-based network Women Journalists Against Violence Towards Women. 

Dafina Halili is a journalist and contributing editor at Kosovo 2.0. She conducted the Kosovo portion of the recent report on the position of women in journalism.

Other Talking Points is produced by Besa Luci, Aulonë Kadriu and Gentiana Paçarizi. 

Music and sound mix by PUG musik.

This podcast is part of the Human Rightivism project, which is funded by the Embassy of Sweden in Prishtina, implemented by the Community Development Fund through its Human Rightivism Program. The author’s views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Embassy of Sweden in Prishtina.