MUSLIM women working in the British media are facing “startling levels of systematic discrimination”, a survey has found.
The Centre for Media Monitoring has carried out a survey of more than 100 Muslim women working across print, broadcast and online media, with a report revealing widespread Islamophobia and toxic newsroom cultures.
The report says this has become more of an issue following the media’s coverage of Israel's assault on Gaza, with visibly Muslim women subject to “microaggressions, stereotyping and pay disparities”.
More than 90% in the survey said negative views about Islam and Muslims were embedded within media organisations, while 86% said Gaza coverage negatively impacted their mental health.
Nearly three-quarters of the women said they had experienced direct discrimination linked to their Muslim identity, while more than 80% questioned their future in the media following reporting of the October 7 attacks on Israel.
Almost two-thirds of women said they had considered leaving the industry while more than a third said they are dissatisfied with their roles, citing “tokenism” and lack of progress.
The report – entitled Muslim Women in the Media: Breaking Barriers, Bearing the Burden – is the first comprehensive study into the experiences of Muslim women across British media, the centre said.
“This report is a wake-up call,” said Rizwana Hamid, director of Centre for Media Monitoring.
“These findings are not isolated complaints — they expose a systemic failure.
“Muslim women have been asked to perform diversity without being given real editorial power.
“This isn’t just about representation, it’s about fairness, credibility, and the future of British journalism.”
Alongside the survey results, the report profiles the professional journeys of 33 Muslim journalists including Mishal Husain, Fatima Manji and Ash Sarkar.
Some of the comments made in the survey include a woman saying she faces Islamophobia “every day”, while another said she hadn’t made a single friend since joining the industry.
Another woman said she never wanted to work in a newsroom again, while another said she felt scrutinised and “not heard”.
Nesrine Malik, a Guardian columnist, said: “The reality is one of exploitation of Muslim women for reputational gain, while subjecting them to professional subordination.”
