This week, the world is celebrating the achievements and contributions of women everywhere through International Women's Day (Tuesday, 8^th March). The theme of this year's event, #BreakTheBias, advocates for a world where diversity, equity and inclusivity are commonplace. In the media industry, a traditionally male-dominated space, women in newsrooms have been working hard to ensure diverse voices are front and centre.

Ahead of International Women's Day, Telum asked editors, journalists and producers across Australia to share which female journalists they admire the most in the industry.

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Selina Steele, Women's Sports Editor at News Corp Australia:
In my 30 years at News Corp, working across news and sport both domestically and abroad, so many wonderful colleagues and mentors have crossed my path. Resilient, smart and incredibly dedicated women who inspire me every day. The ones I admire most don't have the most Walkleys (although they have some), and best-selling books (and there are a few of those too). Instead, they are women who have supported women.

I’ve been lucky to have a lot of supportive men in the workplace too, and as great as they have and continue to be, it's the women that said, "Okay, so there may be a boys' club, but let's have our own ladies lounge - and everyone's invited," that I admire most.

I know I'll miss some names, but today, a big shout out to Frances Whiting, Elissa Lawrence, Liz Deegan, Lillian Saleh, Kathy Lipari, Cath Webber, Vanessa Graham, Shoba Rao, and Ellen Whinett. Newsrooms throughout the country are better for your journalism and your open-door ladies' lounge policy. 

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Andrea Crothers, Political Reporter for Sky News Australia:
Clarissa Ward, CNN Chief International Correspondent - mesmerising to watch, she ensures the world can't turn away from the unimaginable.

Cathie Schnitzerling - curious, compassionate, and an extremely generous mentor to many; someone who pulls other women up, rather than just talking about it. 

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Lexie Cartwright, Entertainment Writer for news.com.au and NSW Committee Member for Women in Media:

I’ll start by saying I admire all female journalists. It can be a relentless industry. You really have to put yourself out there and that takes guts in a man’s world. But to single one woman out, former Gold Coast Bulletin Editor - and our Women in Media co-chair - Catherine Webber. She gave me an internship at the Bulletin when I was 18, hired me, and spent years mentoring me. Her belief in me and continued efforts to help me grow is the reason why I’ve gone on to enjoy a wonderful decade in journalism.

But it wasn’t just me, she championed all females. My very first introduction to a newsroom environment, I was surrounded by strong women in leadership positions - from the chief of staff, to the sport and picture editors.  I thought this was normal. How remarkable that women, like Cath, fought for years to create an equal space for a new generation of female journalists, so they could begin their career knowing they are most definitely capable of doing what men had traditionally always done.

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Jessica G. Lynch, Shopping Content Producer at Are Media:
I admire Leigh Sales for her frankness, sharp wit and open approach when reporting and interviewing. I absolutely love her 2009 essay, On Doubt, and as a teenager, watching her on 7.30 helped cement my pursuit of a career in journalism.

Laura Murphy-Oates' work on Full Story and Jan Fran's The Frant, are also women and works of journalism I admire.

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Steph Nash, Executive Producer (Business) at Sky News Australia:
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my friend and incredible journalist, Sarah Lansdown at The Canberra Times. Her dedication to her work, combined with her tenacious efforts representing the MEAA union, the Country Women’s Association and her craft as a talented seamstress, leaves me completely in awe.
 

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Jessica Korteman, Freelance Travel Writer and Founder / Editor of Japanese Food Guide:
I greatly admire Japan-based Journalist, Alice Gordenker. She is one of the most highly-dedicated professionals I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Her research ability is unparalleled, always asking informed and intelligent questions, going the extra mile (or fifty), and finding the most unique of angles that allow the world to see a wonderfully different and often unseen side to Japan. A true industry veteran and cultivator of cultural curiosity in many, she has impacted the Japanese publishing space in a way that will span generations.