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More BAME women to write for daily as part of new diversity project

Talat YaqoobFour “women of colour” are to begin writing for a regional daily as part of a new project aimed at tackling the under-representation of ethnic minority females in the media.

The Dundee Courier has announced its support for the Pass the Mic initiative, which will see the expert opinion of women from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities included in articles.

As part of the project, an online directory has also been set up for journalists seeking comment from BAME women for stories.

It lists 130 experts such as teachers, medics, equality campaigners, economists, scientists, artists and authors.

Pass the Mic founder Talat Yaqoob, pictured, said: “Media is hugely influential across our society, and as such it is important that those who take part in it, whether presenting the news, being interviewed or writing opinion pieces, are representative of Scotland’s diversity.

“However, women of colour continue to be grossly underrepresented.

“The purpose of this project is to make a tangible difference and to amplify the voices of women of colour in Scotland.

“The project includes highly experienced nurses, artists, scientists, carers, campaigners and more, all of whom have expertise which should be part of our media and who should be in the phone books of more journalists.

“We hope the partnership with The Courier goes some way to tackling under-representation and sharing a more diverse set of voices.”

David Clegg, editor of The Courier, said: “We are delighted to be taking part in this important project and to have the opportunity to continue to bring a diverse and varied range of expert voices to readers of The Courier in print and online.”