My Campaign for Diversity: Response From Ofcom

Ofcom has officially responded to a campaign I set up to address diversity and combat racism in the UK media by setting up a support body for those who have experienced racism or discrimination in the industry.

I was overwhelmed to have received over 77,665 signatures supporting the petition for actionable change within the UK media industry so that people from all walks of life are represented on screen.

Here is Ofcom’s response and the full statement is on my petition.

I would like to see the day when we see representation that is a true reflection of the national portrait of this country on our screens and in the media.

If you would like to sign or support the campaign please click here: https://www.change.org/p/media-organisations-a-campaign-for-better-representation-and-diversity-in-uk-media

Chairing Party Political Hustings on Women’s Equality

I was delighted to host Engender’s hustings on women’s equality on the 1st April 2021 in partnership with national women’s equality organisations.

It was great to hear from all the main party political leaders in Scotland ahead of the election in May.

Speakers included First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour Spokesperson for Health, Sport and Equalities, Rachael Hamilton, Party Spokesperson for Scottish Conservatives, Willie Rennie, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats and Lorna Slater, Co-Leader of the Scottish Green Party, Scottish Green Party.

The hustings was well received and it was great to hear the views on important issues surrounding women’s equality.

Investigative journalism – The Uyghurs

My latest investigative article has been published on The Diplomat Magazine investigating the missing Uyghur children and the anguish of Uyghur parents who have been separated from their children in Xinjiang.

To read more of my article click the link: https://thediplomat.com/2021/04/the-missing-uyghur-children/

Multitasking 101: Balancing the Journo Life with Family

Being a freelance journalist is rewarding and challenging, being a mother of 5 and a journo that works from home is even more a challenge, but you learn to love working on getting the balance right!

Many parents considering a career in journalism may be worried about meeting deadlines, taking those interviews and even giving interviews on camera. As a mother and a journalist, I can related to having a ‘Robert E Kelly’ moment, (perhaps not on a national scale) but definitely with Skype meetings or in the middle of a radio interview!

Mishaps whilst working from home just makes us human, and there will be a point in time when balancing work and family may crop up. We have a professional side and of course in a normal setting we would not hold interviews with our children contributing to the piece (although in Robert E Kelly’s case it made the interview all the more entertaining).

When the perils of working from home can come into play, it is no wonder that many parents who considered working within the media, may be a little daunted by the thought. However, I want to encourage all those who want a career in the media, whilst raising a family, that you can do it and pave the way for your success.

I have 5 children aged between 9 years old and 5 months old and have been a freelance journalist for 10 years! If you are passionate about your career you will somehow find a way to incorporate it into your life. There are unprecedented opportunities for progression through training, education and flexible learning.

First and foremost my husband and children mean the world to me but that doesn’t mean that just because you are a stay at home parent  you need to stop working on a professional level, or on a career that you think may be impossible to balance. I think it is even more beneficial for children to see their parents excelling in life as parents are the role models to their children.

Giving time, love and care to my kids is paramount and there are many days when I spend time when they are at school, nursery or asleep to do my work.

Never let anything or anyone put you off following your dream career path, if you have the support from your spouse or partner than that gives you even more reason to pave the way for your career.

I would like to get into working for a media company in the future but I am currently enjoying being a mother to my young kids whilst also freelancing and getting important stories out there to the world.

It is always great to hear your experiences of juggling work and family and please feel free to contact me with your stories at info@tasnimnazeer.com

Working, Muslim, Female, Journalist: Diminishing Myths

The mainstream media’s portrayal of Muslim women today varies from stereotypes of ‘oppressed’ Muslim women to more positive images reinforcing the independent, working Muslim woman.

There are an increasing number of Muslim women who are taking up roles within the media either as journalists, writers or activists in order to combat stereotypes and create understanding between faiths.

In April 2011, Women In Islam, Inc. hosted the “Under-Represented: Muslim Women and Media,” an event featuring Laila Al-Arian, a writer and producer for Al Jazeera English.

Al Arian highlighted the importance of combatting stereotypes within the mainstream media and said that, “The focus has been on women’s appearance rather than action, so that even if Muslim women are visible, they are voiceless. Even when Muslim women in hijab become reporters, they are seen as women in hijab, rather than reporters”.

Due to the challenging times when the media has the power to shape perceptions it is highly important to have reporters which reflect the views of the community. Although some Muslim female journalists may feel that they are being judged by their appearance I feel that times are changing and people are more accepting of Muslim females in the media.

Inevitably there will be challenges and one of the main hurdles that Muslim journalists face is the perception of delivering biased reports. As journalists neutral, reporting is part of the job and ensures professionalism. Journalists regardless of their faith know what is required of them and I believe in giving a fair report portraying both sides of the story.

Many people from socially diverse backgrounds often find that they are misrepresented within the media and that is why there is a need for more varied reporting of issues surrounding the communities at large.

Leave faith aside, I have always adhered to the principles of Journalism and I do feel that reporting needs to be done based on facts, logic and justified reporting. There is nothing wrong in voicing opinions on issues concerning Muslims and ethnic minorities as many people from these communities often feel their views are unheard.

Al Arian further stated that, “Portrayals of Muslim women have the potential to impact discrimination and rights of the community, Muslim women have a critical role to play to help humanize the Muslim community.”

Discrimination can be harmonised if there is more effort from both the mainstream media and Muslims themselves to show a varied and fair portrayal of women in the media. There are countless working, Muslim females in the UK such as Respect Party Leader Salma Yacoob and Conservative Baroness Warsi who are taking leading roles within the community and providing a sound example of shattering stereotypes that have aroused from misrepresentation in the media.

Aspiring writers and journalists from diverse backgrounds are being encouraged to fulfill their dreams through various initiatives such as the Journalism Diversity Fund (JDF). The JDF offers support for the training of journalists from ethnic and socially diverse backgrounds and creates a platform for progression within the industry.

For more information on the JDF fund visit: www.journalismdiversityfund.com