LocationsDevi Asmarani: Championing Feminist Journalism Through Magdalene.co
December 2, 2024
Devi Asmarani, co-founder and chief editor of the feminist web magazine Magdalene.co, has spent over a decade carving out a space for progressive, gender-sensitive journalism in Indonesia. Established in 2013 alongside fellow journalist Hera Diani, Magdalene has become a trailblazer in covering issues affecting women and vulnerable groups, offering fresh perspectives on politics, social justice, and global crises like climate change, all through a gender-inclusive lens.
“We noticed a glaring gap in Indonesian media—there were no platforms that truly centered women’s experiences with a gender-sensitive approach,” Devi recalls about the founding of Magdalene. The publication aims not only to report on women’s issues but also to challenge patriarchal norms that disproportionately benefit men. Magdalene seeks to empower readers through its content, encouraging critical thinking and informed decision-making in their personal and professional lives.
Beyond its feminist ethos, Magdalene explores broader social and political issues, such as policies, cultural shifts, and the impact of global events, always through an inclusive and gender-conscious perspective. “It’s not just about women’s issues—it’s about how every issue, from politics to climate change, impacts women and other vulnerable groups,” Devi explains.
A Platform for Progress
Magdalene recently achieved a significant milestone by partnering with The Jakarta Post, Indonesia’s leading English-language newspaper. This collaboration amplifies the media’s reach, enabling it to bring feminist perspectives to broader audiences while benefiting from The Jakarta Post’s journalistic standards and global platform.
“For a small, independent media organization like ours, this partnership is a vote of confidence,” Devi shares. “It shows that we can make a significant impact even with limited resources, driven by idealism and passion. This collaboration allows us to strengthen our footing in the face of challenges in the media landscape.”
As an advocate for gender equality, Devi is acutely aware of the challenges women face in journalism, particularly regarding Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in the workplace. “To create safe spaces for women in the media - and in a way to progress - we must first identify the barriers that hinder their growth,” she asserts. Devi highlights the prevalence of VAWG in newsrooms and calls for media organizations to adopt robust policies addressing these issues.
Representation also plays a crucial role. “We need more women in leadership and decision-making roles within media organizations,” Devi emphasizes. However, she acknowledges that representation alone isn’t enough. “Capacity building, such as gender sensitivity training for leaders of all genders, is essential to ensure that policies reflect feminist values and support gender equality.”
Through Magdalene, Devi has created more than a media platform; she has built a movement that challenges societal norms and empowers individuals to advocate for equality. “Our mission is to create a safe, inclusive space for progress, where everyone can engage critically and contribute to a more just society,” she says.
With its progressive stance and unwavering commitment to gender equality, Magdalene continues to push boundaries, inspiring change in Indonesia’s media landscape and beyond.