A few years ago, Faye D’Souza rose to instant fame after firmly shutting down a misogynistic cleric on national television. It all transpired during her news show while she was anchoring a debate on sexism and women getting trolled for what they wear. One of the flustered panelists was soon questioning the purpose of the debate and asking Faye why she didn’t come to the newsroom wearing her underwear if the clothes didn’t matter.
The nation was soon to know that the panelist had messed up with the wrong woman. Calm and composed, she instantly replied: “He hopes that he will rile me up. He hopes that I will throw a fit and I will lose control of my panel and forget how to do my job. Let me tell you Maulanaji, I have seen many like you. I am not afraid of you, I am not threatened by you, I am not rattled by you.”
Almost, half a decade since then and that’s exactly the brand that Faye brings to the table every single time. And while she might have quit mainstream media last year, she continues doing what she does best i.e. being a journalist. The medium has of course changed. It is social media now and guess what? We are listening. The nation is listening.
It is her firebrand journalism that Levi’s® is celebrating with their #IShapeMyWorld campaign. The brand kicked open the 7th season on International Women’s day 2021. The campaign has now evolved into a yearlong digital initiative featuring the stories of 7 fearless and powerful women and it’s journalist, Faye D’Souza who is taking the centre stage this month. Here is what she would be talking about throughout the campaign.
On Her Calling And Never Compromising That Unbiased Voice
“There was just a calling. I was 18 at that time and I just felt that this is what I want to do with my life. I want to be a journalist,” says Faye recalling how she decided upon journalism as a career. For her, this wasn’t just a career but a medium to change the world.
She adds, “I feel that news, as it is today, lacks dignity. I want to bring dignity back into the news. The good old method of just telling you what is happening. No opinion, no outrage, no activism. Just telling you what happened today is perhaps what young people in India need the most.”
Well, that’s exactly what Faye is doing through her social media pages now and the fact that she is about to hit a million followers within a year speaks volumes about this success story.
On Sexism In The Industry
In her interview for the #IShapeMyWorld campaign, Faye talks about the reason behind leaving the mainstream media. As it turns out that she was constantly told that her credibility depended on having a man on the news desk beside her. Frequent casual sexism followed–she was constantly told about looking a certain way and dressing up in a certain manner to be taken seriously. Also, she was asked to “talk softly” when all that men on Indian news channels do today is shout and scream and be loud.
Tired of the incompetent media houses and the incessant sexism, Faye decided to go independent in 2020 and her journey all this while has been nothing but inspiring. Apart from being a force to reckon with she is a feminist, an Indian and an unbiased voice talking about the things that are truly important. Reporting news like it should be reported. In the upcoming episode of #IShapeMyWorld, we will see her really lift the curtain on the industry and trust us fam–this is major!
“Yes, we can change the world,” says Faye and we’d be damned if we don’t believe this boss lady! Stay tuned for the latest episode of #IShapeMyWorld.
This is a sponsored article for Levi’s®.
Featured Image Courtesy: Levi’s®
