In the shadows of the First World War, amidst a landscape dominated by male narratives, emerged a corps of women war correspondents whose stories and perspectives brought a unique lens to the horrors and heroism of the time. This study zeroes in on Margit Vészi, a pioneering Hungarian journalist and the only female member of the Austro-Hungarian War Correspondents' Corps. Through her, we explore not only the significant yet underrecognized contribution of women to war journalism but also the broader implications for our understanding of liberty and equality during the era. By navigating the trenches of a male-dominated field, Vészi and her contemporaries challenged the traditional roles of women, offering insights into the battlefield that blended emotional depth with critical observations. This research, grounded in a thorough analysis of over a hundred articles and two travelogues authored by Vészi, seeks to answer critical questions: How did these women secure their positions on the front lines? What drove them to embrace such peril? And most importantly, how did their narratives diverge from and enrich the existing historical record? Employing an interdisciplinary approach, this study draws upon history, journalism, gender studies, and European studies to illuminate the unique contributions of women war correspondents. By doing so, it not only enriches our understanding of the First World War but also underscores the evolving role of women in the public sphere. Margit Vészi's experiences offer a compelling case study for examining the intersection of gender, war, and journalism.

Authors:
Gabriella Jeki, Károli Gaspar University of the Reformed Church in Hungary, Hungary

About the Presenter(s)
Ms Gabriella Jeki is a University Doctoral Student at Károli Gaspar University of the Reformed Church in Hungary in Hungary

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