What happens when a seasoned journalist challenges the systemic erasure of women’s voices in mainstream media? Meet Francesca Donner, the visionary founder of The Persistent, a bold and transformative platform dedicated to amplifying the untold stories, experiences, and perspectives of women everywhere.
Francesca’s Career: Challenging Media Norms
Francesca’s two-decade-long career includes prestigious roles at Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. As the gender director and editor of the In Her Words column at The New York Times, she witnessed how women’s stories were too often sidelined or overlooked. That experience ignited her passion for creating The Persistent—a platform where women’s stories take the lead.
“The Persistent isn’t about me,” Francesca explains. “It’s about us. It’s about creating a space where women’s stories aren’t just an afterthought but the headline.”
The Vision Behind The Persistent
In this episode of Behind the Headlines, Francesca walks us through her motivations and the challenges of launching a platform centered around women. She sees gender not as a separate topic, but as a lens through which every story should be told. From the unequal impact of childcare on women to the glaring gaps in medical research, Francesca highlights the invisible forces shaping our world and why they demand our attention.
Hope, Action, and Collaboration in Storytelling
This episode isn’t just about media critique—it’s about hope, action, and the power of collaboration. Francesca’s commitment to inclusive storytelling shines as she discusses the dynamic partnerships between writers, editors, and artists that bring The Persistent to life.
Transformative Power of Diverse Storytelling
A key takeaway from Francesca’s insights is the transformative power of diverse storytelling. By seeking out voices that are often overlooked, we can challenge stereotypes and enrich narratives. Francesca encourages journalists to ask: “Whose story am I telling?” and “How are we positioning different people in this story?” These questions help break traditional molds and foster a more complete, authentic narrative.
Practical Tips for Gender-Sensitive Reporting
Francesca also emphasizes gender-sensitive reporting and shares practical advice for journalists to ensure their work is inclusive. She cites journalist Ed Yong’s practice of tracking sources to ensure diversity, showing how small adjustments—like spending 15 extra minutes to find a different perspective—can result in richer, more balanced journalism.
Advice for Young Journalists: Resilience and Respect
For young journalists entering the competitive media world, Francesca offers invaluable advice: resilience and adaptability are key. She also stresses the importance of focusing on stories that resonate personally and highlights the significance of kindness and respect in high-pressure newsrooms.
Join the Movement to Amplify Women’s Stories
If you’ve ever questioned whose voices are prioritized in the media, this conversation will leave you inspired, motivated, and ready to take action. Francesca’s vision for inclusive journalism challenges us all to make a difference and reshape the narrative.
Want to hear more from Francesca Donner on inclusive journalism? Listen to the full episode of Behind the Headlines here!
Follow The Persistent for more groundbreaking stories by and about women.
