Khabar Lahariya, meaning “news waves,” is an all-women media organisation founded in 2002 and run by rural reporters, many of whom are Dalit, Adivasi, and Muslim. The organisation dispatches stories from some of India’s most marginalised regions, challenging entrenched social norms and demonstrating that women can not only report but also cover stories others cannot. Founder Kavita Devi recalls the early scepticism they faced, with many doubting that women could succeed as journalists, long before diversity became a global newsroom conversation.
Recruiting reporters was especially challenging due to educational barriers, as female journalists were almost entirely absent from newsrooms in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar at the time. Many of the women who joined Khabar Lahariya had little formal education, yet, with training and mentorship, they developed into skilled journalists. Shyamkali, for example, transformed from being illiterate to a senior reporter capable of producing nuanced and impactful journalism. Khabar Lahariya publishes in local languages such as Bundeli, Awadhi, and Bhojpuri, ensuring that news is accessible, relatable, and culturally resonant for rural communities.
The organisation’s reporting goes beyond mere representation, providing context and empathy to stories often oversimplified or sensationalised by mainstream media. Shyamkali highlighted a case where her coverage brought understanding to a woman’s desperate actions against domestic abuse, demonstrating how women journalists offer deeper insights and perspectives that would otherwise be ignored. By reporting in local languages, the organisation ensures that communities, especially women, “see their own image in the news,” fostering empowerment and inclusion.
Digital transformation has further amplified Khabar Lahariya’s impact. Transitioning from print to mobile and social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram has allowed reporters to share news widely, build professional skills, and increase agency, confidence, and economic independence. Technology has enabled these women to reach audiences previously ignored, proving that training and digital tools can transform grassroots realities.
Despite women making up half of the global population, their representation in media remains limited. According to the 2025 Global Media Monitoring Project, women account for only 26 per cent of news subjects and sources. UN Women officials emphasise that the absence of women’s voices undermines democracy, distorts reality, and narrows the public’s understanding of societal issues. Experts argue that a radical rethink is needed in media to advance gender equality and ensure inclusive, accountable, and representative journalism.
Khabar Lahariya exemplifies how women-led journalism from marginalised communities can challenge structural barriers, enrich public discourse, and empower both reporters and audiences. By combining grassroots reporting with digital innovation, the organisation highlights the critical role of women’s voices in achieving a more equitable and informed society.
