Former President Bhandari Calls for Stronger Protection and Support for Dalit Journalists

Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has called on Nepal’s government to introduce special programs aimed at strengthening the capacity and security of Dalit journalists. Speaking at an event in Kathmandu organized by the National Federation of Dalit Journalists, she said the issue of Dalit inclusion is not limited to one community but is a matter of national importance.

Bhandari’s remarks place media equity at the center of a broader conversation about representation, safety, and institutional support in Nepal’s journalism sector. She emphasized that Dalit journalists need both practical capacity-building and stronger protection so they can participate fully and safely in the media landscape.

Why inclusion in media matters

According to Bhandari, the media sector should reflect the diversity of the country it serves. She framed Dalit issues as part of Nepal’s shared social responsibility, arguing that the challenges faced by Dalit communities affect the nation as a whole, not just one group.

Her comments align with earlier public statements in which she highlighted the importance of broader inclusion in media and the need for journalism to support national progress. In past remarks, she has also stressed the role of media in strengthening democracy and promoting prosperity.

Recognizing Dalit contributions

Bhandari also pointed to the Dalit community’s contributions to Nepal’s economic and social development. She said their skills and labor have played an important role in building the country, reinforcing the argument that inclusion should be treated as a policy priority rather than a symbolic gesture.

The message is especially significant in a media environment where marginalized voices often remain underrepresented. By calling for targeted support, Bhandari underscored the idea that equity in journalism is tied to both democratic health and social justice.

A broader push for a more inclusive media sector

The former president’s remarks add momentum to ongoing calls for a more inclusive media sector in Nepal. Her focus on safety suggests that inclusion is not only about hiring or representation, but also about creating conditions where journalists from marginalized communities can work without fear or discrimination.

For Dalit journalists, that could mean training opportunities, institutional backing, and policies that address vulnerability in newsrooms and the field. For the wider media industry, it signals a growing expectation that diversity and protection must be treated as core values, not afterthoughts.