Women and bylines - not enough says many of us!

I am ticked off today and not for the usual reasons but rather for the one main one being that it is my belief that as women in journalism we have not progressed much.  Our voices are still relegated to the Siberia of arts, style, culture - you know it as "fluff".  And for those of us who choose to explore, seek adventure and excitement we are warned or almost discouraged by our colleagues, both male and female, that bad things may happen to us.  Or, as sadly in my case, denied further opportunities because women just don't do this kind of work or that men wouldn't read it so it would not sell.....wow.  Is that not a limiting statement regarding men or what?

I do not believe that nonsense for one second.  No, I just think there are still those individuals for whatever reason who have this need to protect some status quo and at the expense of those of us who just love our craft.  I call bullshit on your "limitating" of my opportunities based on untrue axioms, the safety one being an insult to both genders.

So what?  Bad things can happen to me in my own city for crying out loud.  Hell, as a woman I know that all too well and the "bad things" take on many forms.

Goes without saying but I will say it anyway - I have done work that many men would never do and no, I did not engage in certain activities to make a point but rather because like other correspondents before me I felt DRIVEN to do so.  My curiosity had to be satisfied and not by proxy.

As well, another belief that is false is that women do not have strong voices like men because we are unsure of ourselves.  Bullshit again.  We have strong voices but we are tired of being called bitches, ball-breakers, aggressive, strident or hysterical because we choose to exude qualities and belief in our work the same way our male colleagues do.

So in saying this RIGHT HERE AND RIGHT FRIGGIN NOW I put forth a challenge to any editors, publishers and producers that since some of you feel that there is a "dearth" of strong female voices and such out there in the wider media diaspora then by all means get in touch with this woman who has worked in BOSNIA, KOSOVO, GUATEMALA (as covering conflicts) and as one who has traveled solo in some dangerous locales, sought adventure, had a great time, has an excellent sense of humour, is a bit of a pirate?

I KNOW that folks will want to read or listen to my opinions for many already have.  I have a fan base.

Today's musings btw?  I owe thanks to the wonderful Michael Enright of CBC Radio who had a panel of publishers and editors today discussing this very topic.  I will be sending notes to one in particular once my blood has stopped boiling.

Stay tuned kids.....this woman is about to toss some pretty strong words out there and no, they will not be in jest.