International Women's Day 2024, themed "Invest in Women", advocates for the United Nations' gender equality sustainable development goal to be met by 2030. In light of this campaign, Telum spoke to Dita De Boni, Senior Journalist at The National Business Review, about how she started her career and gender inequality in the industry.

What inspired you to start a career in journalism?
I always loved words and stories, and I genuinely find the whole human experience interesting and worthy of exploration. I started in business journalism as I could not get a general news reporter job, but in truth, I think business journalism is every bit as much of a study of humanity as any other endeavour, and perhaps even more so.

What are some of the stories you are most proud of?
My favourite stories are the ones in which small and medium businesses are given a platform to explain the small yet significant ways they add to the sum of human experience. But probably the most note-worthy have been stories (by NBR and others) about how the supermarket duopoly's outsized power, more than almost anything else (apart from the dire housing market), contributes to the impoverished lives of far too many New Zealanders.

NBR's Price Check series used data to show pricing swings wildly between shops and geographies, ensuring none of us know what groceries should be worth any more - and making us more susceptible to paying more for everything.

Who do you believe has shaped or influenced journalism for the better in Aotearoa?
I work with total GOATs of investigative business journalism - Maria Slade and Tim Hunter - at NBR. Fiona Rotherham, Nikki Mandow, and Rebecca Macfie are others in the trade I admire. 

How do you believe gender inequality manifests itself / exists in the industry, and why does women's inclusion matter?
It's a tricky thing to answer succinctly, but can I put it this way: I believe if there were more female leaders in the world, it would be a better place.