United Kingdom: CFWIJ pays tribute to veteran journalist Katharine Whitehorn

/
WhatsApp Image 2021-01-12 at 11.17.06.jpeg

January 11, 2021, London – The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) pays tribute to The Observer’s first woman columnist, Katharine Whitehorn, who died aged 92. Katharine revolutionised the path of women in journalism. Our deepest sympathy to her family, friends and all the women journalists who were inspired by her dedication. 

The Cambridge graduate columnist started her career writing for publications such as The Observer, Picture Post and Saga magazine. She was the first woman to have a column in the Observer between 1963 to 1996. After The Observer, she wrote a monthly column for Saga Magazine from 1997 to 2016. Katharine was brought back to The Observer magazine by John Mulholland in 2011, where she continued as a columnist until 2017. 

The author began her trailblazing career in a time when national newspapers were dominated by men. Katharine wrote for The Observer for nearly 40 years, known for her cleverly humorous articles. According to The Guardian, her article defending domestic "sluts" was her turning point. Katharine wrote an article questioning the coercive attitudes faced by working women.

Katharine also wrote a book titled “Cooking in a Bedsitter” in 1961 and contributed BBC Radio 4’s book “A Point of View”. In 2016, her book was adapted into a comedy-drama by Radio 4.

In October of last year, the large wooden desk Katharine had worked on for years was donated and sold at auction to raise money for an Alzheimer’s charity.

In 2018, Katharine was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and living in a care home. On January 8, 2021, she passed away at the age of 92.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is saddened by the loss of revolutionary journalist Katharine Whitehorn. Katharine will always be remembered for her dedicated work and determined fight against men-dominated media outlets. Our deepest condolences to her family, friends and all journalists who revered Katharine and followed in her footsteps. May her soul rest in peace.