In today’s fast-evolving media landscape, finding trustworthy, hard-hitting journalism that centers women’s issues is more important than ever. From gender equality and reproductive rights to workplace discrimination and intersectional challenges, women’s magazines have become vital platforms for professional, informative, and honest reporting. These publications go beyond lifestyle content, offering in-depth analysis and amplifying marginalized voices. Below, we explore nine standout magazines that champion women’s issues with rigor, integrity, and a commitment to driving change. Whether you’re seeking feminist news, investigative reporting, or empowering stories, these outlets deliver. Let’s dive into the best magazines for women’s journalism in 2025.
Why Women’s Journalism Matters
Women’s journalism tackles critical topics often overlooked by mainstream media, such as reproductive justice, gender-based violence, and economic inequality. These magazines provide a platform for women’s voices, challenge systemic biases, and foster informed discussions. Historically, women journalists like Nellie Bly, who exposed institutional abuses in the 1880s, set the stage for today’s bold reporting. Despite progress, women in journalism still face significant challenges, including:
- Gender Discrimination and Pay Inequality: Women hold only about 37% of media management roles globally, per the International Women’s Media Foundation.
- Underrepresentation in Leadership: Women occupy just 24% of top editor positions in major newsrooms, highlighting a persistent glass ceiling.
- Stereotyping: Women are often relegated to “soft” beats like health or lifestyle, while male-dominated fields like politics or sports remain less accessible.
These magazines break through these barriers, delivering journalism that’s both impactful and inclusive. Here’s our curated list of the top nine publications leading the charge.
1. Ms. Magazine: The Pioneer of Feminist Journalism
Founded in 1972 by feminist icon Gloria Steinem, Ms. Magazine is a trailblazer in women’s journalism. Published by the Feminist Majority Foundation, it offers investigative reporting and in-depth analysis on issues like reproductive rights, gender equality, workplace equity, and social justice. Its iconic “No Comment” section calls out sexist media portrayals, while its book reviews and commentary from prominent women provide intellectual depth. Ms. is a go-to for readers seeking thought leadership and advocacy.
Why It Stands Out: With decades of influence, Ms. Magazine combines rigorous journalism with a commitment to systemic change, making it a cornerstone for feminist news.
Where to Find It: Visit feminist.org to subscribe or explore their archives.
2. The 19th: Empowering Through Intersectional Reporting
Launched to empower women and LGBTQ+ individuals, The 19th is a digital newsroom focused on gender, politics, and policy. Its mission is to provide fact-based reporting that ensures equal participation in democracy, particularly for underrepresented communities. From reproductive rights to voter suppression and social justice, The 19th delivers intersectional journalism that’s both informative and actionable.
Why It Stands Out: Its commitment to inclusivity and data-driven reporting makes it a vital resource for understanding women’s issues in 2025.
Where to Find It: Check out 19thnews.org for subscriptions and daily updates.
3. DAME: Unapologetic and Women-Led
DAME is a women-led digital outlet that delivers sharp, unapologetic journalism on gender inequality, workplace discrimination, and political representation. Written and reported by women, it amplifies diverse voices and tackles tough topics with a bold, no-nonsense tone. Whether it’s exposing systemic biases or celebrating women’s achievements, DAME is a powerful voice in feminist media.
Why It Stands Out: Its fearless approach and focus on women’s perspectives make it a must-read for honest, hard-hitting journalism.
Where to Find It: Visit damemagazine.com to dive into their latest stories.
4. Women’s eNews: A Policy-Driven Perspective
Founded by feminist luminaries like Jane Fonda, Robin Morgan, and Gloria Steinem, Women’s eNews offers a women’s lens on public policy. This digital publication covers gender equality, reproductive health, economic justice, and global women’s issues with original reporting and advocacy. Its focus on systemic challenges makes it a trusted source for readers seeking actionable insights.
Why It Stands Out: Its policy-driven approach and global scope provide a unique perspective on women’s issues.
Where to Find It: Explore womensenews.org for subscriptions and in-depth reports.
5. BUST: Feminist Journalism with a Pop-Culture Edge
BUST combines fierce feminist commentary with a pop-culture vibe, offering unfiltered takes on women’s issues like health, sex, and social justice. Its independent, DIY spirit makes it accessible to a broad audience, while its bold tone ensures it doesn’t shy away from tough topics. From celebrity interviews to investigative features, BUST is both engaging and impactful.
Why It Stands Out: Its blend of accessibility and feminist grit makes it a favorite for readers seeking relatable yet hard-hitting content.
Where to Find It: Visit bust.com for subscriptions and vibrant storytelling.
6. Herizons: Canada’s Feminist Powerhouse
Herizons, Canada’s leading feminist magazine, dives deep into the women’s movement, health, activism, and legal issues. Its professional reporting covers both Canadian and global feminist news, offering readers a comprehensive look at gender-related challenges and triumphs. It’s a reliable source for those seeking in-depth, honest journalism.
Why It Stands Out: Its focus on Canadian perspectives and global feminist issues makes it a unique addition to the women’s journalism landscape.
Where to Find It: Check out herizons.ca for subscriptions and archives.
7. Mary Review: Women-Driven Narratives
Launched in 2016, Mary Review is an independent magazine entirely written and produced by women. It aims to bring parity to journalistic conversations, covering topics like race, identity, culture, and gender with thoughtful, hard-hitting narratives. Its commitment to diverse voices and intellectual rigor makes it a standout.
Why It Stands Out: Its women-only editorial team ensures authentic, unfiltered perspectives on critical issues.
Where to Find It: Visit maryreview.com for subscriptions and compelling reads.
8. Coalition For Women in Journalism: Amplifying Women’s Voices in Media
While not a traditional magazine, the Coalition For Women in Journalism publishes news and reports about women in media, highlighting their experiences, challenges, and contributions. It’s an essential resource for understanding the barriers women journalists face and their role in shaping hard-hitting reporting.
Why It Stands Out: Its focus on women in journalism provides a behind-the-scenes look at the industry’s challenges and triumphs.
Where to Find It: Explore womeninjournalism.org for reports and resources.
9. RealShePower: Empowering Stories and Practical Advice
RealShePower is a dynamic publication dedicated to empowering women through inspiring stories and actionable advice. It focuses on leadership, career development, personal growth, and critical issues like workplace equality and mental health. With a commitment to authenticity, it celebrates women’s achievements while addressing systemic challenges.
Why It Stands Out: Its blend of inspiration and practical guidance makes it a valuable resource for women seeking both motivation and solutions.
Where to Find It: Visit realshepower.com for subscriptions and empowering content.
The Broader Impact of Women’s Magazines
These publications are more than just magazines—they’re catalysts for change. By addressing issues like reproductive justice, gender-based violence, and economic inequality, they challenge systemic biases and empower readers to take action. Their intersectional approach ensures that voices from marginalized communities, including women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from underrepresented backgrounds, are heard. In a media landscape where women journalists are still underrepresented, these outlets are breaking barriers and reshaping narratives.
How to Choose the Right Magazine for You
With so many options, selecting the right magazine depends on your interests:
- For Investigative Reporting: Ms. Magazine and The 19th offer in-depth, policy-driven journalism.
- For Bold, Unfiltered Takes: DAME and BUST deliver sharp, unapologetic commentary.
- For Global Perspectives: Women’s eNews and Herizons provide international insights.
- For Empowerment and Inspiration: RealShePower blends practical advice with uplifting stories.
- For Industry Insights: The Coalition For Women in Journalism is ideal for understanding women’s roles in media.
Additional Resources for Feminist Journalism
If you’re looking for more options, consider digital platforms like The Cut (thecut.com) or Refinery29 (refinery29.com), which offer modern, intersectional reporting with a lifestyle twist. For international perspectives, EMMA (Germany) and Mslexia (UK) provide feminist analysis and creative outlets for women’s voices.
Get Involved
Subscribe to these magazines to stay informed and support women’s journalism. Share your favorite stories on social media with hashtags like #WomensJournalism, #FeministNews, or #GenderEquality to amplify their impact. Have a favorite magazine or issue you’d like us to explore further? Drop a comment below, and we’ll tailor recommendations to your interests!
