Women Behind The Lens: Defying Odds To Capture Truth , Faith, Untold Stories

By Puti Iylia Maisarah Zol Azman

KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 (Bernama) -- Crawling through dense undergrowth, thorny tree crevices, cornfields, and crossing rivers infested with crocodiles — these were challenges faced by a courageous lensman determined to capture images of a human trafficking syndicate’s headquarters on the Thailand-Myanmar border.

Fathin Suhaira Abd Rahim, 33, a photographer with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), recounted the harrowing experience which took place in 2023 when she participated in a mission to rescue Malaysians who were victims of a fraud syndicate at KK Garden, also known as the 'Garden of Hell'.

Since joining Bernama in 2017, Fathin has defied stereotypes in a profession often dominated by men, viewing each assignment as a platform to sharpen her skills and break boundaries.

"I've been passionate about photography since I was a child. Every time I watch the news on television. I’d always wonder what happened behind the scenes of the news. That curiosity slowly nurtured my love for photography,” she said.

A proud daughter of Kedah, Fathin isn’t content with merely framing images through her lens. For her, each photograph is a visual narrative, a medium to uncover truths and highlight issues that resonate deeply within the community.

Armed with a five-kilogram Canon R3 camera that rarely leaves her side, Fathin Suhaira proves that women, too, can command the world of photography, capturing powerful moments in the heart of the action.

Addressing the stereotypes often attached to her profession, she said that photography isn’t merely a job, it’s a bold voice, a tool for advocacy, a medium to fight for the truth, and a platform to amplify stories and voices too often left unheard.

"It’s time to shatter the stereotype that this career is not meant for women, and stop belittling this field. I’m tired of hearing comments like, ‘Oh, you’re just a photographer, just taking pictures, it must be easy'.

“No! No profession exists without purpose. We give meaning to what we do, and there’s a reason this field matters,”   she said.

Touching on the risks faced by female photographers, Fathin Suhaira acknowledged that they are not spared from various forms of harassment, including sexual harassment and bullying, especially in environments that are far from women-friendly, making their work even more demanding and dangerous.

A seasoned visual storyteller who frequently covers assignments abroad, she stressed that their role extends far beyond completing a task.

“We are not just there to take pictures. We carry messages to the community, sparking conversations and awareness through the power of every image we capture,” she said.

Meanwhile, as millions of pilgrims from around the world gather in the Holy Land to fulfil the fifth pillar of Islam, one dedicated female camerawoman quietly captures each historic moment, documenting stories of faith, sacrifice and the unifying spirit of Muslims.

For Norliza Mohd Salleh, 48, who has almost two decades of experience in broadcast journalism with Media Prima, covering the Haj pilgrimage in  2019 remains one of the most challenging yet profoundly meaningful assignments of her career.

“I was shocked. but deeply grateful when I was informed I’d be covering the Haj. Honestly, I thought it wasn’t my turn yet as there were many more senior cameramen ahead of me,” she said, admitting that physical and mental preparation were crucial before embarking on the journey.

Norliza admitted that covering events in Makkah came with unique obstacles, especially the strict restrictions around the Masjid al-Haram. Professional cameras were prohibited in key areas, including directly in front of the Kaaba, forcing cameramen to rely on mobile phones to capture vital moments.

She recounted one particularly testing moment while spending the night (mabit) in Mina, when heavy rain drenched the tents and the surrounding area.

“Even though it rained, it never dampened my spirit. The mission had to continue. Every moment we record carries meaning for those back home,” she said.

It is in recognition of their role and contributions to the nation’s development, National Journalists Day (HAWANA) is celebrated annually on May 29 in conjunction with the first publication of Utusan Melayu daily on May 29, 1939.

Themed 'Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics', the culmination of the HAWANA 2025 celebration will take place on June 14 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL). It is scheduled to be opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with an estimated attendance of about 1,000 media practitioners from home and abroad.

-- BERNAMA