Women’s magazines collectively reach millions of readers each month. Beyond their influence in fashion, these publications are pivotal in addressing critical women's issues and advocating for empowerment. Datshiane Navanayagam speaks to two magazine editors to explore their approaches to staying relevant in an ever-evolving media landscape. Grace O'Neill began her career at ELLE Australia as an intern and is now the Editor of the magazine. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Guardian, The New York Times' T Magazine and British Vogue. Iveta Dzērve is the Editor-in-Chief at SANTA, Latvia's leading lifestyle magazine. She has two decades of experience in medical, healthcare and lifestyle journalism. Produced by Emily Naylor and Elena Angelides for the BBC World Service. (Image: (L) Iveta Dzērve, credit Karlina Vitolina. (R) Grace O'Neill, credit Gabby Laurent.)
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Hello and welcome to the conversation, the program that brings together women from around the world and allows them to share their personal stories and experiences with each other and us.
I'm Dashiani Navanayagamde.
Now I'd like you to cast your mind back to 30 years ago, when the nineties and early two thousands were the heyday for women's magazines.
More than just a casual read to keep up to date with the latest celebrity gossip or find out what's fashionable, these glossy mags became the go to for how to live your best life and what to aspire to.
Fast forward a few decades and things are looking very different.
Social media dominates, and more and more publications are pivoting to online only in order to survive.
And as for women, well, how much do these magazines still set the standards they aspire to?
What purpose do they now serve?
Well, to explore this with me is Yveta Zerva, the editor in chief at Santa, a leading lifestyle magazine in Latvia.
And joining me in the studio is Grace Oneill, the editor of Elle Australia, a prominent fashion and lifestyle magazine.
A very warm welcome to you both to the conversation.
Thank you so much, Dashie.
Thank you.
Before we delve into magazines and what they mean, I wanted to get a sense of what womanhood means to you.
Grace, what are the values that are important to you as a woman today?
I guess being a woman is so complex and multifaceted and all encompassing.