By Rahima Dokaji

When the young RFI journalist, Hauwa, began trending on social media recently, it wasn’t her reporting skills or investigative prowess that captured attention it was her appearance. The buzz stirred something deeply personal in former radio journalist Rahima Dokaji, who took to her pen to reflect on a long-standing issue that continues to plague women in the broadcast media space.

Rahima’s decision to leave radio wasn’t born out of the grueling deadlines or high-pressure news cycles. Instead, it was rooted in an issue many female journalists face but few speak about openly: objectification. “We’re expected to be grateful when people notice us, not for our professionalism or skills, but for our physical appearance,” she wrote. “It’s as if we’re not seen as journalists, but rather as mere decorations.”

Beauty Over Byline

The tendency to focus on female journalists’ looks rather than their work is a pervasive challenge in the broadcasting industry, particularly in regions where traditional norms often blur the lines between professionalism and societal expectations. Many women find their credibility questioned or their achievements reduced to how they look on camera. For Rahima, it became impossible to reconcile her passion for storytelling with the constant distractions about her appearance.

This led her to switch paths—from the airwaves to the printed page. “In print media, people only see my writing, not my appearance. It’s liberating, to say the least,” she noted. Her transition opened a new chapter one where her voice was heard for the right reasons.

Hope for the Next Generation
Despite the challenges, Rahima remains hopeful. She speaks with heartfelt empathy for rising stars like Hauwa, who, despite the noise, remain dedicated to the craft. “I feel for young broadcast journalists… navigating this challenging industry with grace,” she said.

Her prayer echoes the sentiment of many women in the field: that someday, female journalists across the region will be recognized and celebrated for their intellect, commitment, and courage not just their looks.

A Call for Change

The conversation sparked by Rahima’s reflection is part of a larger reckoning one that questions how media consumption shapes perceptions, and how editorial rooms can evolve to honor talent over image. As she poignantly concluded, “Allah ya shirye mu baki daya. Amin”a prayer for guidance and unity.

This is more than a personal story; it’s a call to see journalists as storytellers, truth-seekers, and professionals not just faces behind the mic.